Strength training is not only for building muscle mass, it’s essential for maintaining your ability to live independently as you age, slows the aging process, and even promotes weight loss.

If you’re new to strength training, learning proper exercise technique from someone with experience should form the basis of your muscle-building routine.

Gaining muscle strength is only one benefit of strength training. This form of exercise also helps prevent osteoporosis, improves your range of motion, and ability to perform functional (day-to-day) movements and even, when done properly, can act as a form of aerobic exercise and even help you lose weight.

The more muscle mass you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate. Unlike traditional cardio, strength training causes you to continue burning more calories for up to 72 hours after the exercise is over through a process known as after burn.

Many are also not aware that strength training has been shown to slow cellular aging, helping you to live a longer, healthier life. It also increases BDNF brain derived neurotropic factor that helps you remember and learn better.