There are many benefits of building and maintaining your muscles. Although there is an emphasis on skeletal muscle, don't forget there is also smooth muscle in your organs, and your heart is made of cardiac muscle.

Weight training plus aerobics.

In a representative study of the evidence, researchers at McMaster University USA compared a ten week programme of weight training plus aerobic exercise against aerobic exercise alone.
* The aerobic group showed only a 2% increase in cardiovascular capacity and an 11% increase in endurance.
* The weight training plus aerobics group showed a 15% increase in cardiovascular capacity and a massive 109% increase in endurance.

For strength the results favoured weight training even more.
* The aerobics group showed no increase in arm or leg strength.
* The weight training group showed a 43% increase in arm strength and a 22% increase in leg strength.

It is intresting to note that muscles are controlled by nerves, and the electrical stimulation of nerves and contraction of muscles are the result of the exchange of electrolyte minerals dissolved in water. It is essential that you drink water for health and muscle building, as without enough water your muscles are not getting enough electrolytes.