If you regularly participate in aerobic exercise, you may be considering the addition of strength training to your regimen. Aerobic exercise offers considerable cardiovascular benefits. However, there are also multiple benefits incurred by regularly participating in strength training activities. Here are a few of them:

You can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

People who are pre-diabetic are often insulin-resistant. This means that the cells of their body do not respond to insulin as they should. As a result, the body releases large amounts of the hormone in order to stabilize blood sugar levels. This is particularly detrimental because high levels of insulin promote the storage of fat, making it difficult for a person to lose weight. In addition, the insulin resistance can progress over time into full-blown diabetes.

Strength training helps reduce insulin resistance. As people lift weights regularly, their cells become more responsive to the insulin hormone. As a result, strength training may help reduce your chances of developing diabetes.

Strength training can increase bone mass.

Weight-bearing exercises place positive stress on the bones. This pressure or stress incites the development of new bone cells to help bones maintain their fitness and strength. This can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis, which is characterized by bones that are thin and brittle.

Women who are postmenopausal can especially benefit from strength training, because they are more prone to developing osteoporosis. After menstruation ceases, estrogen levels decline and bone mass can dwindle. Strength training can help women maintain good bone density, even as they age.

Strength training can boost your metabolism.

An increase in your metabolic rate can help you burn more calories-- even while resting. This increase in caloric expenditure can equate to a reduction in your overall body weight.

The increase in calories burned is due to the increase in muscle mass. As you lift weights, more muscle fibers develop. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, your overall caloric requirements go up.

Strength training can give you an energy boost.

For people who feel depressed, strength training can help improve their mood and energy levels. People who feel down or depressed often feel that they have little energy to complete everyday tasks. Weight training increases endorphin levels to make them feel better. It is also associated with better sleep quality.

To learn more about the benefits of strength training, schedule a consultation with your physician.