What are the benefits of strength training?
According to our experts, strength training (which is the practice of physical exercises that improve strength and endurance) offers many benefits.
“Strength training helps build bone density, which we start to lose over the age of 40,” said Dani Coleman, “Not only does it make you stronger, it boosts your metabolism, helps prevent injury, reduces the risk of falls, can help manage your blood sugar levels and can boost your mood and self-esteem
Heather Hardy, Everlast boxer, said that “strength training helps reach so many different goals — especially if you’re looking to be able to accomplish more in your daily life concerning strength and endurance.”
“Where I’ve seen it make the most difference with my clients is that it makes you feel good,” Hardy continued. “It gives you confidence when you reach a new goal and motivates you to make new ones.”
What is strength training equipment?
Obtaining strength training equipment isn’t as difficult as it sounds, as “strength training equipment is anything that you can use to help you build muscle and get stronger,” explained Hardy.
Hardy also said that people tend to gravitate towards barbells and dumbbells, though smaller pieces of equipment can also be used to target specific muscle groups.
What should people look for when choosing the best strength training equipment?
Finding the best strength training equipment boils down to individual needs.
“People should look for something that will suit their body’s needs,” said Coleman. “Furthermore taking into account things like the quality, longevity, investment and maintenance of the equipment.”
Hardy also places emphasis on ensuring your equipment allows you to practice safely and correctly.
“There’s no use in squatting 200 lbs on the rack if it’s not being done properly — that’s how people get hurt,” said Hardy. “Not to mention, especially for beginner lifters, weight racks can be really intimidating. Using products like kettlebells or a weighted vest can really help to prepare someone to take that step by building a foundational proper form and a bit of muscle.”