Strength Training Delivers Health Benefits (Watch Now)

(Caption: Fitness expert from Mariners Hospital Wellness Center offers strength-training tips.)

Looking to reduce pain, improve bone density or burn calories? Strength training can deliver relief from many chronic conditions, according to research from Tufts University and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC).

Strength training is a type of exercise that uses weights (including your body’s own weight) as resistance to build stronger muscles. Examples of strength training include: weight-lifting, yoga, pushups, workouts with tension bands, according to fitness experts at Mariners Hospital Wellness Center.

Health Conditions & Strength Training

From diabetes control to improving bone density, the CDC lists a wide number of conditions that benefit from strength training. The list includes:

• Arthritis: Reduces pain and stiffness, and increases strength and flexibility
• Diabetes: Improves glycemic control.
• Osteoporosis: Builds bone density and reduces risk for falls.
• Heart disease: Reduces cardiovascular risk by improving lipid profile and overall fitness.
• Obesity: Increases metabolism, which helps burn more calories and helps with long-term weight control
• Back pain: Strengthens back and abdominal muscles to reduce stress on the spine.

                                                                                   (Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

For example, a 16-week program of strength training produced a 43-percent reduction in older people with moderate-to-severe knee arthritis, according to a recent Tufts study. Of course, you should speak to your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

The Baptist Health South Florida News Team spoke with a fitness expert from the Wellness Center at Mariners Hospital about strength training. Watch Now.