3. Reduces risk of metabolic syndrome

Studies have recently suggested that those who lift weights are less likely to develop metabolic syndrome, which is several simultaneous health factors that eventually lead to heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Risk factors include large waist circumference, high triglyceride levels, low high-density lipoproteins (HDL), high blood pressure, and high glucose levels. Having greater muscle mass and muscle strength is linked to a decrease in many of these risk factors and a decrease in metabolic syndrome overall.