By Courtney Ferguson
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Fostoria Primary Care
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults engage in 150 minutes of physical activity per week, with a mixture of aerobic and resistance training exercises. Adults are recommended to engage in at least two days of resistance training per week, with each session lasting 20-30 minutes. In my experience, most individuals tend to focus on aerobic or cardio-type exercises and have a lesser understanding of the importance of resistance training and the associated long-term health benefits.
Resistance Training Benefits
Resistance training can reduce the risk of chronic disease and prevent disease progression for those affected by chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Performing exercises that place tension on the bones and muscles causes your body to send signals to produce denser bone tissue, preventing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Stronger bones and muscles support the ease with which one can perform activities of daily living, such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries. It also decreases the risk of falls and increases the likelihood that an individual will remain independent later in life.
