Most people think that the only thing the gym is there for is to gain body mass, but what many are not aware of is the fact that there are still other benefits of weight training, such as improving one’s cardiorespiratory fitness, combating depression, anxiety, and stress, and increasing bone density and greater physical fitness.
But that is not all benefits; there are numerous advantages of bodybuilding, mainly when there is professional guidance, followed by a controlled diet and training schedule.
A continuous routine brings greater health benefits and better physical results when compared to an exaggerated training routine, for example.
In other words, it is preferable to train three times a week, all year round, than to train five times every two weeks.
What happens to the body when you do weight training?
The structural change in the body is noticeable with increased muscle, more defined areas and a visible reduction in fat and measurements.
Not to mention that bodybuilding also brings other changes over the years, mainly for health, in addition to the physical aspect that we witness.
A good example is the fact that muscle loss caused by aging can be stopped by weight training, ensuring the construction of new muscles and their strengthening.
Weight training burns fat much faster than other physical activities , and the explanation is simple: when lifting weights, muscle tissue breaks down and, to carry out the fiber reconstruction process, more calories need to be burned.
Furthermore, it is possible to state that the body has its bone density increased by up to 3% when the sport is part of the athlete’s lifestyle, with bodybuilding tending to be recommended by professionals from adolescence until the person is older.
The ideal is to seek professional help before starting any activity, as the teacher or personal trainer will be able to personalize the training , ensuring better and faster results according to the athlete.
What are the benefits of bodybuilding?
The changes do not only occur in the body, because when the activity is carried out routinely, the athlete begins to experience mental and emotional changes, such as increased memory, decreased stress hormones and serotonin control, which reduces anxiety and depression.
This set of physical, mental and emotional improvements increases daily performance in relation to work, studies and quality of life.
Among the physical results we can see, there are also countless other benefits that bodybuilding brings to our health and body that we cannot see.
Check out seven of the academy’s main results below.
1. Body posture
Weight training strengthens the muscles that support the spine , improving posture and reducing pain in the back, lower back, hips, knees and joints in general.
2. Combating emotional problems
By releasing the endorphin hormone, a substance responsible for the feeling of well-being, it also acts to control anxiety , phobias and depression.
3. Reduces the risk of diabetes
The body starts to use glucose as a source of energy to perform the activity, burning excess sugar in the body.
4. Controls metabolism
Helping to burn fat , controlling digestion and reducing the accumulation of fat mass in the body.
5. Increases muscle mass
Enhancing the ability to perform daily tasks, such as climbing stairs, walking and maintaining balance, because the greater the strength, the more developed the body’s muscular system will be.
6. Reduces the risk of injury and pain
When you train your muscles and bones become stronger, harder, and denser. This considerably reduces the dangers of injuries and pain of arthritis and fibromyalgia.
7. Delays the effects of old age
Strength training serves to prevent diseases such as problems of the heart, problems of high blood pressure and weakening of bones.
How can I know if I acquired muscle mass?
The best way to determine if the muscle mass has increased is by doing a bio impedance test, which measures the volume of water, body fat, muscles, lean mass and other tissues.
Another way to identify is through a physical assessment carried out by a professional, in which body circumferences will be measured, because, even if the weight does not change, the circumference decreases, as fat has more volume than lean mass.
By training frequently and controlling your diet, it is almost impossible for your body fat to increase. The secret is to not get hung up on the scale, because remember that your weight may not change, since lean mass also weighs.
Physical results and the benefits of going to the gym don’t appear overnight, so it’s essential to be patient and persistent, following your training routine correctly .
The steps may be slow, but they are worth it.
Foods that increase muscle mass
To make it easier to increase muscle mass, we have brought you a list of six foods rich in protein that, when combined with bodybuilding, guarantee incredible results.
Just look at what they are!
- Eggs
- Peanut butter
- Pumpkin seed
- Yogurt
- Meats
- Chickpeas, lentils and beans
Finally, know that the ideal is to consume these foods after exercising , as the consumption of protein helps in the recovery of the injured muscle, relieving post-weight training pain.