Most of us know that strength training is important, but that doesn’t make it any easier to do it. You might find it helpful to understand why strength training is important and how it can make you feel and look better. Here are my top reasons to lift weights and strength train. Get motivated to get started with strength training today.
It helps you lose fat
Lifting weights builds lean muscle tissue, which is more metabolically active than fat. When you increase your muscle, you also increase metabolism which means you’re burning more calories throughout the day. Regular strength training is just as important as cardio exercise for losing fat and getting fit.
It makes you stronger
It may seem obvious that lifting weights can make you stronger…but what some people forget is that it doesn’t just make you strong for your workouts, it makes you stronger in other areas of your life as well.
Lifting weights regularly makes everything easier – grocery shopping, housework, gardening, and carrying kids around.
Plus: Strength training is more than just for strengthening your muscles. Strength training can also make your bones stronger which can reduce or manage osteoporosis.
It reduces your risk of injury
Strength training strengthens all aspects of your body, not just muscles, and bones. Lifting weights can also help strengthen your connective tissues, which are the ligaments and tendons that keep your body in good condition.
It can reduce the pain of arthritis
Recent studies have shown that arthritis sufferers who lifted weights actually reduced their joint pain. By strengthening the muscles, they were able to cushion and protect the joints during impact activities like walking.
Plus: Many physical therapy programs include strength training to rehab many injuries. This is a reminder that lifting weights can improve your quality of living, regardless if you have arthritis.
It increases stability, balance, and flexibility
What happens to muscle mass when strength training is not done? When we lose muscle mass, it can lead to weight gain and loss of balance and flexibility. Lifting weights can be a great way to strengthen your joints and keep you on your feet.
It makes you better at sports
Strength training is a common program for athletes to stay strong and prevent injuries. You can also improve your speed, power, and strength by training for your specific sport. Strength training is beneficial for all ages, even teens.
It boosts confidence
According to some studies, both men and women feel better about themselves when they lift weights. By getting stronger and noticing changes over time like being able to lift more weight and do more exercises, both men and women build confidence and, especially for women, improve body image. Don’t hesitate and strength train today!
Along with other forms of exercise, lifting weights can help build confidence, and even manage anxiety and depression…a great way of dealing with stress in a healthy manner.
It lowers blood pressure
Studies have shown that strength training can reduce blood pressure. This may be another option to treat high blood pressure.
I don’t need to remind you that if you have high blood pressure you should consult your doctor before you start any new activities. But I will anyway. If you are able to get permission, consider starting a program that will help lower your blood pressure.
It adds to the challenge
If you’ve been doing the same cardio workouts for a long time, that can get a little boring. You can spice up your workouts by adding a new challenge to your body and strength train.
Strength training offers many options for setting up your workouts. You can never have enough new exercises, resistance types, or ways to work your body.
It makes your life easier
People often are surprised by how weight loss can affect other areas of their life. Clients often send me emails and phone calls telling me how they are able to walk up the stairs or work in their garden without pain.
It’s those little improvements that offer the greatest rewards and it doesn’t take much time with weights to see and feel those kinds of improvements. If you would like to start strength training today contact us to schedule a one-on-one or group fitness class.