If you’re like many people, when you think of exercise, you probably think of cardio. Whether it’s running, biking, or swimming, cardiovascular exercise has long been touted as the key to getting in shape and staying healthy. And while there’s no denying the benefits of cardio, there’s another type of exercise that’s equally important: strength training.

Strength training involves using weights, resistance bands, or your own bodyweight to build and tone muscles. It can include exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and deadlifts. And while it may not give you the same immediate endorphin rush as a good cardio workout, the benefits of strength training are many and varied.

First and foremost, strength training can help you build muscle. This may not sound like a big deal, but muscle is incredibly important for overall health. It helps you burn calories more efficiently, improves your posture and balance, and can even boost your mood. And don’t worry, you don’t have to worry about bulking up like a bodybuilder unless you specifically train for that – for most people, adding some muscle will simply help them feel and look better.

In addition to building muscle, strength training can also help prevent injury. By strengthening the muscles around your joints, you’ll reduce your risk of strains, sprains, and other types of injury. This is especially important as we age – as we get older, our muscles naturally weaken, which can make us more susceptible to falls and other accidents.

But perhaps the biggest benefit of strength training is its effect on your metabolism. Unlike cardio, which only burns calories while you’re doing it, strength training can boost your metabolism for hours after you finish your workout. This is because building muscle requires energy, and the more muscle you have, the more calories you’ll burn even when you’re not exercising. So if you’re looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, adding some strength training to your routine can be incredibly effective.

Of course, as with any form of exercise, it’s important to start slowly and work your way up. If you’re new to strength training, it’s a good idea to work with a personal trainer or take a class to make sure you’re using proper form and not putting yourself at risk of injury. And as with any type of exercise, it’s important to listen to your body and take breaks when you need them.

So if you’ve been focusing solely on cardio in your workouts, it might be time to mix things up and add some strength training to the mix. Your muscles – and your overall health – will thank you.