The Benefits of Weight Training
As an elite college baseball player, Ed Mylett led the NCAA in steals, and he was named an All-American three times. Today, while enjoying success in his position as Agency Chairman with World Financial Group, he remains committed to physical fitness. Among other activities, Ed Mylett regularly engages in weight training, a form of exercise known to provide a wide range of benefits.
Weight training is popular among people of all ages and at all levels of fitness. Numerous medical and governmental institutions, including Mayo Clinic and the Centers for Disease Control, recommend weight training as a way to build and maintain muscle mass, improve mental well being, and reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions such as back pain, depression, and arthritis.
Research studies have indicated that weight training can help individuals maintain a healthy weight. Strength training increases your muscle mass, which in turn increases your metabolic rate. This means that in addition to the calories you consume during your workout, you will also burn more calories when you are at rest.
While aerobic activities such as running and swimming are commonly credited with helping people improve their cardiovascular health, weight training can help improve cardiac health as well. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends strength training for patients in cardiac rehabilitation programs, as well as for individuals looking for ways to reduce their risk of heart disease. Weight lifting also increases bone density in people with osteoporosis and helps individuals with diabetes regulate their glucose levels.
A successful weight-training program combines proper technique with adequate rest periods. Anyone considering a weight lifting program should first consult with his or her physician to determine whether the program poses any health risks. New weight lifters should also consider working with a personal trainer or other professional to learn correct lifting techniques.
