Not everybody has the same reaction to noticing a new muscle pop up on their body.

Some love it: Great, Im getting jacked!

Some are discouraged: Oh no, Im getting bulky.

But everyone should know that building muscle has its benefits, both beyond looks and in spite of looks.

So if you notice some muscle growth, that tells you you’re making progress in strength.

And, yes, size and strengtharelinked.

(Im not sure exactly where this myth comes from, but its absolutely not true.

Muscle is muscle.)

Think of it this way: The bigger the muscle, the harder it can contract.

But what youdowith that muscle is a matter of skill.

Gymnasts are strong, but not every strong person can do a backflip.

Boxers are strong, but not every strong person will be able to deliver a knockout punch.

If you train to build muscle size, you will end up increasing your strength.

And if you train to build strength, chances are you will end up increasing your muscle size.

But lets dive in, because I know youre wondering about it.

This may not make a huge contribution to your daily calorie burn, but its something.

So even if gaining muscledoesntcome with reduced body fat, its still helping you to be healthier.

that will keep them from being frail at age 75.

That doesnt refer specifically to weight training, but rather to activities where youre supporting your own weight.

Walking, running, and jumping are weight bearing.

(Swimming is not weight bearing).

But weight trainingdoesalso improve bone density.

That could include training with barbells, dumbbells, resistance machines, or other tools.

Strength traininggives you stronger muscles, bones, and connective tissue like tendons.

In a sports context, stronger athletes seem to be more resistant to injury.

You may also have an easier time catching yourself when you begin to fall.

You just want to initiate the trails, take a barre class, maybe do some yoga.

Well, muscle helps with those things, too.

Stronger runners tend to be better runners.

Or lets say youre more into yoga.

You get the idea.

Rock climbing is more fun when youve got more upper body muscle.

Cycling is more fun when you have powerful legs.