Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, champions the importance of muscle mass as a vital component of physical fitness, offering many benefits that extend far beyond mere aesthetics.
What Is Muscle Mass?
Muscle mass refers to the amount of muscle tissue in the body. Muscle tissue comprises individual muscle fibres, which contract and relax to move.
Building muscle mass necessitates muscle-building exercises such as strength or resistance training. These exercises include lifting weights, performing bodyweight exercises, or using resistance bands to challenge and stimulate the muscles.
Why is Muscle Mass Important for Achieving Your Fitness Goals?
While many people concentrate on cardio and endurance training, building, and maintaining muscle mass is often overlooked, even though it is essential for achieving a well-rounded fitness routine.
“Strong muscles aren’t just for appearances. They are the foundation for a healthy and vibrant life,” says Affinity Health CEO Murrey Hewlett.
“While maintaining muscle mass is important at any age, it becomes even more important as we get older because it helps to prevent age-related muscle loss and maintain independence.”
Among the numerous advantages of muscle mass are:
Injury Prevention
Increasing muscle mass can help improve overall stability and balance, lowering the risk of injury during physical activity. Stronger muscles can also help to support joints and reduce the risk of joint pain and injury.
Strength And Endurance
Increasing muscle mass can help to improve overall strength and endurance. This can improve performance in various physical activities, from weightlifting to marathon running. Increased strength can also help with daily tasks like carrying groceries or lifting heavy objects.
Increased Metabolism
Metabolism is improved when muscle mass is increased. Metabolism is the process by which the body converts food into energy. Muscle mass can help to increase the body’s resting metabolic rate, allowing it to burn more calories even when at rest. This is especially beneficial for weight loss and management goals.
Better Bone Health
Muscle mass is essential for bone health because it helps to strengthen bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions. This is especially important as we age because bone density declines.
Improved Mental Health
Exercise, including strength training, has positively impacted mental health. Muscle mass can help boost self-esteem and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Increased Longevity
Studies have shown that muscle mass significantly predicts longevity. Maintaining and increasing muscle mass can benefit overall health and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Improved Athletic Performance
Muscle mass can help improve overall athletic performance, such as running faster and jumping higher. This is especially useful for athletes looking to improve their performance in a particular sport or activity.
How to Increase Muscle Mass
It is essential to consume a balanced diet rich in protein (necessary for building and repairing muscle tissue), get enough rest (to prevent injury and promote muscle recovery), and engage in strength training to build muscle mass.
The Best Muscle Building Exercises
You can use numerous exercises to increase muscle mass, such as:
• Squats
• Pull-Ups
• Lunges
In addition to these exercises, many others, such as push-ups, rows, curls, and overhead presses, can be practical for increasing muscle mass.
“It’s critical to mix up your workouts and challenge your muscles in new ways to promote muscle growth and avoid plateaus,” Hewlett adds.
“Remember that building muscle mass takes time and consistency, so stick to your workout routine and prioritise proper nutrition and recovery.”
About Affinity Health
Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health insurance provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.