Men who have high cholesterol levels can benefit from strength training without having to take protein supplements.
Aside from building muscle mass, strength training also helps in losing weight and lowering cholesterol. The study conducted in Buffalo State College looked into the benefits of strength training in lowering body cholesterol and the necessity of protein supplement to build the bulks that an individual desires.
A lot of weight lifters take in protein supplements, commonly whey-based, believing that they help in gaining the body mass they need. Only a small chunk of these population make use supplements that are soy-based which in reality can help lower the risk for heart problems and also decrease the level of cholesterol.
The study concludes that neither soy nor whey based supplements helped the men gain more strength, improve body fat, and lower cholesterol levels more than the effects of strength training itself.
The research suggests that the average male who wants to improve their overall health through exercise does not necessarily need to drink protein supplements.
The project involved 28 men with increased cholesterol levels, overweight, and lives a sedentary lifestyle but in general, healthy.
The subjects were divided into three groups and were randomly assigned to join a group. The participants of the study were instructed to exercise following a guided strength training program done thrice a week for 3 months. One group took whey-based supplement. Another took soy-based supplement. The last group just took a placebo.
A long term study has been suggested to further investigate and distinguish the effects of strength training alone to those who exercise and take supplements.
Tags: Cholesterol, Excercise, Sports