The Secret Benefit of Strength Training

Credit: Em Bhoo

When you’re told that exercise improves your heart health, you probably think of cardio exercise, right? After all, “cardio” is short for “cardiovascular” exercise, named as such because it utilizes the cardiorespiratory system, which consists of your heart, lungs and blood vessels, which work together to supply oxygen and nutrients to all of your vital organs. But did you know that heart-pumping cardio isn’t the only exercise that helps to keep your heart healthy? That’s right, lifting weights in the gym can help your most important muscle in the body—your heart—pump better, too!

The latest research on exercise and heart health shows that strength training doesn’t just build strong muscles and bones; it offers big benefits for your ticker, too. That’s why the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends it as a tool in maintaining heart health, preventing heart disease, and even helping those with heart disease to improve their condition. Seriously, the benefits of strength training just keep getting better and better.

Keep reading to learn how pumping iron is good for the heart, too!

—Jenn