Impact of Resistance Training on Overall Health

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It is considered common knowledge that physical activity is the key to a healthy life, both physically and mentally. When someone is trying to get in shape or stay in shape they generally start doing two things, eating healthier and exercising. When they are not feeling the best mentally, they can exercise to release endorphins, improving mood. But what does exercising actually do for your body and what is resistance training? More specifically what impact does resistance training have on your overall health, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and mental health. According to Richard Weil (2015), resistance training is, “any exercise that causes the muscles to contract against an external resistance with the expectation of increases in strength, tone, mass, and/or endurance.” Specific focus will be placed on the duration, intensity and frequency of resistance training to show results within these different aspects of health. It is of clinical relevance, especially for people with heart disease, muscle pain, or a mental health issue. It is also important for people who are healthy, but want to prevent morbidities and decrease risk of early mortality.

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A recent study by Winett and Carpinelli (2001), researched the potential health benefits that are related to resistance training. Based on previous studies, Winett & Carpinelli were fully aware that resistance training had a positive effect on cardiovascular health, however they wondered what impact it had on musculoskeletal health. Their results suggest that resistance training positively affects one’s ability to perform well and functionally, and prevent pain or disabilities. Winett & Carpinelli’s (2001) article also advocates that resistance training will positively influence blood pressure, metabolism, the gastrointestinal tract, and reduce or maintain body fat

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