Myokines
Mission Monday Episode 5
We know strength training is healthy for us. In fact, strength training is so beneficial that just a single workout can make you healthier
But how does strength training make us healthier? What happens inside our body during and after a workout that leads to better health?
Before answering those questions, let’s talk about how the human body operates.
The inner workings of the human body are similar to how we operate in the world. Much of what we do is the result of a message sent from a messenger
For example, a friend or coworker may send an email, phone call, or text with a request that leads us to work on a project or drive to a friend’s house. In our body, messages are sent that cause cells to act in specific ways.
One example of this is the pancreas producing hormones that will stimulate an increase or decrease in blood sugar.
What are Myokines?
Another messenger in our body is myokines.
Myokines are small proteins that come from our muscles and stimulate cells to take specific actions. Myokines specifically target other muscle cells, fat cells, and cells in several of the most critical organs in our body.
When they are produced, myokines promote healthy bodily functioning. Creating myokines can lead to:
- healthier arteries
- lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels
- muscle cell growth
- fat loss
- enhanced memory
- reduced inflammation
- lower risk of many chronic diseases
Our health improves when we create more myokines.
Myokines are created when our muscles contract. As you may guess, strength training is an excellent way — maybe the most effective way — to maximize the production of myokines.
Research shows that strength training enhances the production of key myokines that reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.
In summary, myokines come from muscle contractions and they stimulate healthy changes in the body.
Strength training is a very effective strategy for increasing the production of myokines and, therefore, for improving your health.
If you would like to learn more about our method of strength training, read about our methodology. If you are new to The Perfect Workout, try a workout with us and start with a FREE Introductory Session.
- Benatti, F.B. & Pedersen, B.K. (2015). Exercise as an anti-inflammatory therapy for rheumatic diseases–myokine regulation. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 11, 86-97.
- He, Z., Tian, Y., Valenzuela, P.L., Huang, C., Zhao, J., Hong, P., … Lucia, A. (2018). Myokine response to high-intensity interval vs. resistance exercise: an individual approach. Frontiers in Physiology, 9, 1735.
- Lee, J.H. & Jun, H.S. (2019). Role of myokines in regulating skeletal muscle mass and function. Frontiers in Physiology.
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Myokines
Mission Monday Episode 5
We know strength training is healthy for us. In fact, strength training is so beneficial that just a single workout can make you healthier
But how does strength training make us healthier? What happens inside our body during and after a workout that leads to better health?
Before answering those questions, let’s talk about how the human body operates.
The inner workings of the human body are similar to how we operate in the world. Much of what we do is the result of a message sent from a messenger
For example, a friend or coworker may send an email, phone call, or text with a request that leads us to work on a project or drive to a friend’s house. In our body, messages are sent that cause cells to act in specific ways.
One example of this is the pancreas producing hormones that will stimulate an increase or decrease in blood sugar.
What are Myokines?
Another messenger in our body is myokines.
Myokines are small proteins that come from our muscles and stimulate cells to take specific actions. Myokines specifically target other muscle cells, fat cells, and cells in several of the most critical organs in our body.
When they are produced, myokines promote healthy bodily functioning. Creating myokines can lead to:
- healthier arteries
- lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels
- muscle cell growth
- fat loss
- enhanced memory
- reduced inflammation
- lower risk of many chronic diseases
Our health improves when we create more myokines.
Myokines are created when our muscles contract. As you may guess, strength training is an excellent way — maybe the most effective way — to maximize the production of myokines.
Research shows that strength training enhances the production of key myokines that reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.
In summary, myokines come from muscle contractions and they stimulate healthy changes in the body.
Strength training is a very effective strategy for increasing the production of myokines and, therefore, for improving your health.
If you would like to learn more about our method of strength training, read about our methodology. If you are new to The Perfect Workout, try a workout with us and start with a FREE Introductory Session.
- Benatti, F.B. & Pedersen, B.K. (2015). Exercise as an anti-inflammatory therapy for rheumatic diseases–myokine regulation. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 11, 86-97.
- He, Z., Tian, Y., Valenzuela, P.L., Huang, C., Zhao, J., Hong, P., … Lucia, A. (2018). Myokine response to high-intensity interval vs. resistance exercise: an individual approach. Frontiers in Physiology, 9, 1735.
- Lee, J.H. & Jun, H.S. (2019). Role of myokines in regulating skeletal muscle mass and function. Frontiers in Physiology.
Reducing the Risk of a Hospitalization
Stronger older adults are 50% less likely to go to the hospital for any reason…
Training for Mental Health
Training for Mental Health Mission Monday Episode 19 Training for Mental Health Mission Monday Episode 19 The last two years have been challenging for people’s
Fall & Fracture Risk
Common fall-related injuries are hip and wrist fractures, concussions, and bruises…
