GUEST ARTICLE: ZARA KLJAKOVIC - Exercise Coach @ Silverstream.
Resistance training (also called strength training or weight training) is the use of resistance (weight) to build the strength, anaerobic endurance and muscle size.
Why is resistance training good for weight management?
Including resistance training as a regular part of your routine will increase your muscle to fat ratio, which in turn increases your body’s basal metabolic rate (BMR). BMR is the measure of the amount of energy your body burns when you are not doing anything, i.e. you are at rest. This helps you to manage your weight, as having more muscle and therefore a higher BMR, means your body will burn more kilojoules at rest. This is because each kilogram of muscle demands more energy from the body than the same of fat.
What type of resistance training can I do?
There are many different types of resistance training:
free weights – classic strength training tools such as dumbbells, barbells and kettlebells
medicine balls or sand bags – weighted balls or bags
weight machines – devices that have adjustable seats with handles attached either to weights or hydraulics
resistance bands – like giant rubber bands – these provide resistance when stretched
suspension equipment – a training tool that uses gravity and the user's body weight to complete various exercises
your own body weight – can be used for squats, push-ups and chin-ups
Bodyweight exercises are great for people who are new to resistance training and can be done anywhere. It all comes down to what you feel comfortable with and what works for your body.
If you are interested in resistance training but don’t know where to start, contact us today on silverstream@theexercisestudio.co.nz or queenstreet@theexercisestudio.co.nz, or call us on 04 939 6088.
To learn more about Zara, see her profile here.