You’ve heard me say it many times: exercise is vital for optimal health, especially as we age. While both cardio and strength training are important, there’s a key reason why strength training should be at the top of your list. When we engage in strength training, our muscles do more than just grow—they produce something called myokines. Myokines are powerful protein peptides that get released into our bloodstream, and they do amazing things for our bodies. Here are my top five reasons why strength training is so important, and why you should make it a priority in your fitness routine.
- Build Stronger Bones Myokines help to build and strengthen your bones. This is especially important as we age because stronger bones mean a lower risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
- Reduce Tumor Risks Strength training isn’t just about muscles—it can actually help reduce the risk of tumors, including in breast tissue. Exercise-induced myokines have been shown to play a role in reducing the growth of certain types of tumors.
- Protect Your Colon The benefits of myokines extend beyond just one area. They also help reduce the risk of tumors in your colon, contributing to overall digestive health and lowering your chances of developing colorectal cancer.
- Boost Your Body’s Natural GLP-1 Our brain and gut are closely connected, and when we exercise, this connection helps our bodies naturally produce GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone plays a key role in regulating appetite, insulin secretion, and even weight management—no injections needed.
- Enhance Learning and Memory My favorite benefit of all: strength training increases BDNF, or brain-derived neurotrophic factor. BDNF is crucial for learning, memory, and overall brain health. So, not only are you building muscle, but you’re also boosting your brainpower every time you lift those weights.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in the gym, grab those weights, and start pumping up your muscles—and your health!