Benefits
The Benefits of Training
While many people are aware of the general benefits of
training such as reducing weight/fat, gaining muscle/strength, increasing
metabolic rate, or improving insulin sensitivity, I am often asked about
specific benefits in certain areas. To that end I though I would add a page
that briefly identifies the benefits types of exercise deliver to elements of
the body in terms of both health and fitness which overflows in to mental
wellbeing.
There are simply too many benefits to enable me to go in to
detail here but these could give you ideas about the sort of objectives you may
wish to target and I will be happy to discuss any of them in more detail during
your consultation.
Heart/Cardiovascular Benefits
Are primarily realised through aerobic exercise and include;
- Ventricular hypertrophy (heart size increases)
- Increased contraction strength
- Increased stroke volume (blood flow per heart
beat)
- Improved blood lipid profile
- Increased haemoglobin levels
- Decreased resting heart rate
- Reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure
- Decreased risk of heart disease
- Decreased risk of heart attack
Lung/Respiratory System Benefits
Are also primarily realised through aerobic exercise and
include;
- Increased functional capacity during exercise
- More efficient diffusion of respiratory gasses
- Increased vital capacity
- Improved integrity of respiratory muscles
- Increased maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max)
The Skeletal System
Benefits from both aerobic and resistance training. As a
result of an increased range of movement, joints become more mobile and, as
synovial fluid is a lubricant, the joint is protected from wear and tear.
Synovial fluid also nourishes the articular surface of the joint which will
help to keep the joints healthy.
- Increased tendon strength.
- Stronger ligaments.
- Increased bone mass.
- Reduced loss of bone mass commonly associated
with age.
Benefits to Musculature
Are derived from both aerobic and resistance training with
the emphasis on the latter. These include;
- Decreased nervous inhibition leading to
increased strength, power and speed
- An increase in the cross-sectional size of a
muscle
- Improved muscular efficiency
- Increase capillarisation
- Increase glycogen and creatine phosphate stores
- Increase size and number of mitochondria
The Psychological Benefits
of exercise are often overlooked. Engaging in even a
moderate amount of exercise will result in improved mood and emotional status.
Exercise can promote psychological well-being as well as improve quality of
life including;
- Improved self-image.
- Decreased depression and stress.
- Increased feelings of achievement.
- Distraction from daily routine.