Benefits of Building Muscles
Not everyone reacts the same way to noticing a new muscle pop up on their body. Some love it, thinking, “Great, I’m getting jacked!” Others feel discouraged, worrying, “Oh no, I’m getting bulky.” Regardless of your reaction, it’s important to recognize that building muscle has significant benefits beyond appearance. Here are seven ways your newfound muscle positively impacts your health and fitness goals:
- Strength and Muscle Size Go Together
- Strength and muscle size are closely related, though skill plays a role in how strength is utilized.
- Building muscle size generally increases strength, and training for strength typically results in some muscle gain.
- Your diet plays a crucial role in determining whether you look “bulky” or not, but muscle gain is a natural outcome of challenging your body to get stronger and fitter.
- Muscle Burns More Calories
- Muscle is metabolically “expensive,” burning more calories even at rest.
- Gaining muscle allows you to consume more food, providing more vitamins, protein, fiber, and other nutrients.
- While each pound of muscle burns approximately 10 extra calories daily, the increased muscle mass also enables more intense workouts, further boosting calorie burn and overall health.
- Muscle Benefits Your Health Even if You Don’t Lose Weight
- Muscle gain can improve health outcomes regardless of weight loss.
- Studies show that higher muscle mass is associated with lower mortality rates, body fat, and likelihood of diabetes.
- Muscle mass contributes to better health outcomes even for individuals with high BMI, suggesting some health issues related to high body fat may stem from low muscle mass.
- Muscle Keeps Us in Better Shape as We Age
- Muscle loss, or sarcopenia, increases the risk of falls, fractures, and poor health in older adults.
- Strength training helps maintain muscle mass, reducing the risk of frailty and associated health problems.
- Building muscle early in life establishes habits and muscle reserves that benefit you as you age, preventing frailty and promoting independence.
- Strength Training Improves Bone Density
- Weight-bearing activities and resistance training help increase bone density, combating osteoporosis.
- Strength training stresses bones, encouraging growth and strengthening.
- Regular resistance training with barbells, dumbbells, or resistance machines supports upper body bone health.
- Strong Muscles May Prevent Injury
- Strength training strengthens muscles, bones, and connective tissues, reducing injury risk.
- Stronger athletes are generally more resistant to injuries, and strength helps in everyday situations, like preventing falls.
- Exercise, including strength training, aids in managing conditions like back pain and arthritis.
- Muscle Enhances Performance in Other Activities
- Muscle strength benefits various activities, including running, yoga, and barre classes.
- Strong muscles improve performance and resilience, making other forms of exercise more effective and enjoyable.
Embracing muscle growth and incorporating strength training into your routine can lead to numerous health and fitness benefits, making it a worthwhile endeavor for everyone.
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