Strength training is a type of physical exercise specializing in the use of resistance to induce muscular contraction which builds the strength, anaerobic endurance, and size of skeletal muscles.
When properly performed, strength training can provide significant functional benefits and improvement in overall health and well-being, including increased bone, muscle, tendon, and ligament strength and toughness, improved joint function, reduced potential for injury,increased bone density, increased metabolism, increased fitness and improved cardiac function.
Strength training is critical to keeping our bodies healthy, especially as we age. It helps preserve muscle mass and increase your metabolism to burn more calories even when you aren’t working out.
So who is it good for?
Building strength is good for all body types, although for different reasons and to different extent.
For Vata people,whom are naturally lean muscled, building strength will help boost resistance to cold and dry climates, and boost immunity against infections and the flu. Building muscle improves their sense of groundedness and self-confidence, and can help them perceive reality as less intimidating. Muscle “shield” can make Vata people less sensitive and vulnerable to both physical and emotional forces they encounter, and provide a positive and steady experience of their own strength and presence. Although building strength is beneficial for Vata, training intensity should be mild, to prevent injury and to prevent excess drainage of physical energy, as it is limited to begin with.
For Pitta people, whom are moderately muscular and strong to begin with, building strength is beneficial, although not first priority. Pitta people metabolism is naturally faster, and they pursue life with sharpness and force. More strength may agitate them or push them over the edge.
For Kapha people, whom are built strong and sturdy, building strength seems the least important. But on the contrary, maintaining their muscle and strength is a fulfillment of their true nature, which makes them feel great! Kapha people can be overweight and heavy with slow metabolism, so strength training will aid them in stirring up their inner pace and keeping their weigh comfortable. Â