Why should you build muscle?
In simple terms: It’s great for your health!
We’re not talking about becoming a bodybuilder with huge muscles, but rather adding a healthy amount of muscle to your body. This can help you stay active and feel better overall.
A lot of attention is given to obesity, but not as much is said about sarcopenia—the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength that happens as we age. While this mainly affects older adults, muscle loss can start as early as your 30s. In fact, inactive people lose 3-5% of their muscle mass every decade after 30, according to WebMD.
This may seem small, but losing muscle can make everyday tasks harder and increase the risk of injury. Over time, it could even affect your ability to live independently.
The good news? Strength training works at any age.
Even if you’re in your 30s or 70s, you can still build muscle or slow down muscle loss with regular exercise. The earlier you start, the better—but it’s never too late to get stronger.
Here are 7 benefits of building muscle:
- Improved Daily Function
Strong muscles help you do everyday tasks more easily. Whether it’s lifting groceries, carrying kids, or getting up from a chair, muscle strength makes it all easier. Plus, you’ll feel more confident knowing you can handle these activities. - Fewer Injuries
Muscles protect your bones and joints. When muscles are weak, you’re more likely to get injured. Strengthening your muscles helps keep you safe from harm and reduces the risk of falls or strains. - Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight
More muscle means your body burns more calories—even when you’re resting. This makes it harder to gain excess weight. Plus, people with more muscle tend to be more active, which helps with weight control. - Better Posture and Less Pain
Muscle loss can lead to poor posture and aches in the body, like back or shoulder pain. Building muscle helps keep you upright and supports your joints, reducing discomfort. - Improved Sports Performance
If you play sports or enjoy physical activities, having more muscle makes you stronger, faster, and more powerful. It also helps prevent injuries, so you can perform better and stay active longer. - Aesthetic Benefits
While not everyone cares about this, many people find that having some muscle enhances their appearance and gives them a more toned look. - Mental Health Benefits
Strength training has been shown to boost self-esteem and help with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. It can even be a fun social activity if you train with friends or in a group.
In short, adding some muscle can have a big impact on your health and well-being. Whether you’re looking to improve your strength, performance, or confidence, building muscle is a powerful tool.
Want help building muscle so you can do more of what you love? Book a free consultation with us today!