HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEING JACKED

We're getting a little sciencey today!  

You've heard me talk about the general benefits of strength training before, and while those still hold true. . .  today I want to dive a little deeper.  

Research shows that muscle mass is positively associated with various health biomarkers and longevity. (1)  

One of the most obvious benefits of having muscle mass is protection against fragility.  As we age, injuries are much more difficult to recover from.  Most of us know someone that was never the same after they fell and broke their hip :(  Muscle mass serves as a protective barrier around your bones and joints, so the more you have the better your body will handle injuries as you age. (2)

If you're thinking, "Meg - I'm young!  This doesn't apply to me."  Well, you won't be a spring chicken forever and you don't have to be a grandparent to hurt yourself.  Develop your healthy, strong habits now and thank me later :)  

Research also shows that higher muscle mass is positively related to insulin sensitivity.   WTH does that mean and why should you care?  Generally speaking, if you are insulin sensitive, your body's cells are able to effectively use glucose as energy and lower your blood sugar to healthy levels after you eat.   If you are insulin resistant, it takes much more insulin to reduce your blood sugar after eating which can be very taxing on your body.  So taxing that it can lead to Type 2 Diabetes, inflammation, and other chronic illnesses.  (3) 

So in addition to the many strength training benefits you've heard before, now we can add living longer with lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes and other life-altering illnesses to the list.  

I don't know about you, but I'm trying to stay healthy as long as possible.  Life is hard enough without being chronically ill!  

Stay strong and live long my friend.