Physical activity may be the closest thing to a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to looking and feeling great throughout life's seasons. Using some form of resistance to build a toned and healthy body is a far preferable way than only relying on cardio to achieve your goals, and there is a substantial body of evidence to support this claim.
In a new study, it was discovered that strength-building workouts are more beneficial to the heart than aerobic activities such as walking and cycling. Strength training increases lean muscle mass, which allows your circulatory system to transmit the blood it is pumping to more locations. As a result, there is less strain on your arteries, which reduces your risk of developing heart problems. It has also been shown that increased muscle mass can aid in the processing of blood sugar, reducing the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes and the related diagnoses such as heart attack and stroke.
According to study, strength exercise improves sleep quality, allows you to fall asleep sooner, and keeps you awake less during the night. It is possible that strength training for sleep is more beneficial than cardio since it burns more adenosine, which is converted to adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, throughout your exercises. When ATP is depleted during exercise, it is broken down into adenosine, which is a sleep-inducing chemical compound. Strength training has also been shown to lower stress levels, improve fat and sugar digestion, and lower blood pressure, all of which are important aspects in getting a good night's sleep!
Female estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate throughout a woman's life, including during her first menstrual cycle and up until menopause. This can have an impact on her fertility as well as her brain chemistry and moods. When estrogen levels drop, such as before and during a woman's period or in the months leading up to menopause, she loses a natural source of the "feel good" brain chemical serotonin in her body. The result is that individuals are more susceptible to mood swings, melancholy, and anxiety attacks, all of which are classic symptoms of severe premenstrual syndrome or postpartum depression. Joggers enjoy a "runner's high" when they engage in vigorous activity, which is a release of endorphins, which are the body's feel-good chemicals. Even low-impact exercise induces nerve cells to expand and make new connections by releasing proteins known as neurotrophic or growth factors, which stimulate the production of these proteins. It is proven that improvements in brain function have a substantial impact on one's mood.
Women's strength and fitness can help to reduce the pace of bone loss by promoting bone density. It is possible to reduce your risk of falling by increasing your muscle strength and improving your balance through exercise. Exercise can also help to slow the rate of bone loss, reducing the likelihood of osteoporosis-related fractures in the future. Bodyweight or loadbearing activity helps to build and maintain bone strength. This is accomplished by forcing muscles and tendons to pull on the bones, thereby encouraging the production of new bone. It is possible to put strain on your bones by exercising with your own body weight, such as when running or jogging, or by using external weights, such as dumbbells or gym equipment, as part of a women's weight-training or strength-training program.