Physiological Changes and Benefits from Strength Training
CHANGE BENEFITS
Increased muscle mass and strength Increased muscular strength Improved body composition Higher rate of metabolism Improved capacity to regulate fuel use with aging Toned, healthy-looking muscles Increased longevity Improved quality of life
Increased utilization of motor units during muscle contractions Increased muscular strength and power
Improved coordination of motor units Increased muscular strength and power
Increased strength of tendons, ligaments, and bones Lower risk of injury to these tissues
Increased storage of fuel in muscles Increased resistance to muscle fatigue
Increased size of fast-twitch muscle fibers (from a high-resistance program) Increased muscular strength and power
Increased size of slow-twitch muscle fibers (from a high-repetition program) Increased muscular endurance
Increased blood supply to muscles (from a high-repetition program) and improved blood vessel health Increased delivery of oxygen and nutrients Faster elimination of wastes
Physiological Changes and Benefits from Strength Training Photo Gallery
Biochemical improvements (for example, increased sensitivity to insulin) Enhanced metabolic health and, possibly, increased life span
Improved blood fat levels Reduced risk of heart disease
Increased muscle endurance Enhanced ability to exercise for long periods and maintain good body posture
Due to genetic and hormonal differences, men will build more muscle mass than women, but both genders make about the same percentage gains in strength through a good program.
