Strength Training Science in Plain English

Strength training is a dieter’s best friend, and anyone interested in weight loss or fitness has probably read or been told that strength training is important. But, why? Well, strength training is one way of getting your body to build stronger muscles. Stronger muscles are bigger muscles, and more muscle mass means a faster metabolism. But, how does that work? Well, if you want the facts on strength training and why its such a crucial part of weight loss and fitness success, then read on! This guide to the basics of strength training science will help you understand what you need to know, without any jargon or lingo.

What Does Strength Training Do?
Basically, strength training subjects your muscles to light trauma so that they wake up and prepare in case it happens again. It’s like how hearing a harmless but spooky noise in your yard might make you run out and buy a better deadbolt for your front door in case there’s a burglar. Strength training is a way of gently and gradually increasing the work your muscles have to do so that they decide to grow bigger. During strength training, you do a little bit of damage to your muscles so that they know they’re not strong enough yet to complete the tasks you need them to do, and then you give your body a day or two off to build bigger, better muscles that can handle the work. If you’re trying to lose weight, the muscle you’ll build from strength training is your new best friend.

What’s So Special About Muscle?
Muscles are active tissues, constantly breaking down and rebuilding. In order to carry out those processes, muscles need to use up calories twenty four hours a day, which is why strength training spells dieting success. Because the cells in your muscles are working hard and breaking down calories all the time, it’ll be easier for you to burn through the foods that you eat and the fat that you’ve stored. When you increase the amount of muscle tissue in your body through strength training, you burn more calories, plain and simple.