Increase Your Metabolism with Resistance Training

If you want to physically change the shape of your body then resistance training is for you. Not only will resistance training improve your physical shape it will also improve your interior bodily systems as well, mainly with an increase in metabolism.

Resistance training is the use of weights, weight machines, and body weight work to increase lean muscle mass. It is a crucial part of any exercise and weight reduction routine when it comes to increasing metabolism. When most people think of resistance training, also known as weight or strength training, they picture large muscular bound people or athletic types. The reality is that while resistance training can be used to build a muscular physique it can also be used to tone the body and increase strength without increasing muscle mass.

Resistance training works by forcing the muscles of the body to react against a weight of some form. Barbells, dumbells, weight machines or body weight is normally the main form of resistance used. This actually causes the muscles to break down during the workout. After the weight weight lifting the muscles repair and rebuild themselves, using even more calories to facilitate this process. In this way resistance training increases metabolism not only during the weight lifting routine but also after the weight lifting routine is completed. In fact, the more rest you get the more calories your body will burn repairing and growing the damaged muscle fibers.

While most resistance training is done with weights at a gym or in a home gym you can also get in a good workout by using your own body weight as the resistance. By doing push-ups or chin-up you are using your body weight to work the muscle fibers. You can do these types of exercises anywhere and they are a great way to get in a good workout.

There are other major benefits to resistance training besides an increase in metabolism. These benefits include:

1.Increase in bone mineral density – Lifting weights help strengthen the skeletal system which is of particular importance to us as we age. By doing resistance training we can help maintain both bone health and strength as we get older and lessen the onset of bone maladies such as osteoporosis.

2.Increased physical strength – You will increase the strength and power of both your skeletal and muscular system.

3.Increase in fitness level – As you get stronger and improve your overall physical condition you will find you are able to lead a more active and healthy lifestyle.

4.Reduction of body fat – By lifting weights you are not only burning calories you will also increase you basal metabolism which will lead to a reduction in excess body fat. You gain in two ways here. One, your body becomes firmer and two you lose the fat and become leaner.

5.Increased cardiovascular stamina – Resistance training will help reduce blood pressure and heart rate by strengthening the cardiovascular system. It will also help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Not only is resistance training good for your overall health and physical well-being it is also a great way to increase your metabolism. Remember, as with any exercise program start slow and build your strength and condition levels up. With a commitment of time and some patience you will see an improvement in not only your look but also your health in a relatively short time.