Why Building Muscle Is Important

When many of us think about building muscles, we imagine the physique of elite athletes or body builders. For most people, this is an unattainable goal, and for many not even a desirable one. But building muscle has implications beyond just athletic performance or even maintaining our appearance. Having strong muscle and building lean muscle mass has many implications for our health:

Improved Metabolism – Muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it burns calories even at rest. The more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate. This can aid in weight management and help prevent obesity and related health issues.

Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity – Building muscle can increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin, making it more efficient at regulating blood sugar levels. This is especially beneficial for individuals at risk of or with type 2 diabetes.

Heart Health – Regular strength training can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It also helps to lower levels of bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol, promoting a healthier heart.

Mental Health – Exercise, including strength training, releases endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. It can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall mental well-being.

These are some of the benefits of building muscle that are great at any age. However, new research has shown that there are important health benefits that come with building and maintaining muscle mass that have important implications as we age.

Building Muscle and Aging

Muscle mass is associated with increased longevity. As we age, muscle loss (sarcopenia) is common, but strength training can help counteract this process, leading to a more active and independent lifestyle in later years. Strength training stimulates bone growth and density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. It also strengthens connective tissues, improving joint stability and reducing the likelihood of injury. Building muscle, especially in the core and back, can improve posture and balance, reducing the risk of falls and associated injuries, particularly as we age. Strengthening the muscles around your joints can alleviate discomfort and improve joint function in individuals with conditions like arthritis. It also reduces the risk of developing such conditions in the first place.

In a profound way, building lean muscle mass is one of the most important anti-aging mechanisms available to us. This emphasizes the importance of incorporating regular strength training into your regimen, in addition to maintaining a healthy diet like the Kaufmann Diet.