August 2nd, 2022
Why Gaining Muscle is the Key to Longevity
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If you want to lose fat sustainably, you need to gain muscle. At Nielsen Fitness, we call this a muscle-up approach and use it with all of our clients. Whether your goal is to age gracefully or get into the best shape of your life, increasing muscle mass is necessary for success.
The Advantages of Gaining Muscle
Muscles allow us to move our bodies with strength and ease, which keeps our joints healthy, and various other systems in the body functioning optimally. Read on to discover the specific benefits of muscle and why we place such a focus on strength-training.
1. Enhanced Joint Integrity & Reduces Joint Pain
This is, arguably, one of the biggest advantages of increasing your muscle mass. When you have more muscle, your joint integrity naturally improves, which reduces joint pain. This leads to enhanced strength and overall functionality, which allows you to participate in the activities you love without pain standing in your way.
2. Optimized Metabolism & Fat Loss
Muscle burns more energy than fat, which is why it is so helpful for fat loss and weight maintenance. If your goal is fat loss, gaining muscle is the way to go.
3. Improved Bone Density
There is a strong correlation between joint and muscle strength and bone density. If your goal is to gain muscle mass, you’re going to be performing resistance training. This loads the joints, bones, and muscles which signals your body to lay down new bone, thereby decreasing your risk of developing osteoporosis.
4. Reduced the Risk of Injury & Fractures
As a follow-up to #3, working to maintain and improve muscle mass reduces your risk of fractures. More muscle means better strength and balance!
5. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar
Skeletal muscle improves insulin sensitivity and uses up sugar from the bloodstream, helping stabilize blood sugar levels. As a result, this can reduce your risk of developing diabetes or insulin resistance. In fact, one study found that individuals who engaged in strength training for 10 years had a 30% lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
6. Improved Immunity
New research indicates how increased muscle mass may contribute to optimal immune system function. As a result, you might just get sick less often!
Important! Muscle weighs more than fat. If you’re strength training and notice the scale going up, don’t panic. It’s more than likely you’re losing inches and gaining muscle. There is a place for the scale – but it definitely does not tell the whole picture, especially for those who lift weights!
Ready to Gain Some Muscle?
Our expert team at Nielsen Fitness is here for you. From providing specialized personal trainers for seniors to online personal training options, we’re equipped to help you meet your goals in whatever way is most convenient for you.
