For many of us, lifting weights can be a bit intimidating. When we go to the gym, we may tend to avoid the weight lifting section and head straight to the treadmills or elliptical machines. However, what exactly are the benefits of weight lifting besides the fact that many do it to bulk up and build muscles? Here are five reasons why you should consider weight lifting!
Training with heavy weights has been shown to help improve one's self-confidence. As you take on heavier weights, you feel a sense of accomplishment. Also, while lifting heavy weights, you don't have much time or energy to allow self-doubt or negative thoughts to creep in. Weight lifting has also been shown to help reduce anxiety! Although it may be a struggle to stay motivated to hit the gym on a regular basis, this benefit definitely outweighs the hassle!
Lifting weights can help increase the power and strength of your muscles. In fact, for the women out there who are worried that lifting weights will make them look too buff, when done properly,weight lifting can actually make you feel stronger without significantly adding more bulk or size to your arms or calves. Instead, everyday lifting tasks will feel much easier and you will be incredibly pleased with how much weight you can lift!
So we all know that regular exercise can help you burn calories, however, some experts say that regular strength training can actually help you burn more calories even after you've finished working out. It's called an "after burn", where your body continues to burn calories following your workout. Also, when you work out, it builds muscle which can in turn lower the fat ratio in your body.
Strength training has been shown to help build your body's endurance and speed levels. You may have heard that some people strap on ankle weights when they run? Well running with that extra weight can significantly help you on your next run, allowing you to endure longer at a faster speed. Each time you increase the weights you lift, you are training your body to overcome the challenge and increase your ability to endure.
As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass. How much more so when we are not staying physically active! In addition, weight lifting can also help you strengthen your bones. When our muscles are weak, it is unable to support the bones they carry, which can make it easier for one to significantly injure themselves when they fall. That is why having a regular, balanced weight lifting program can help you fight against the loss of muscle mass due to aging.
If you are now convinced to get started with weight lifting, please make sure to learn how to get started with weight lifting properly so that you don't injure yourself! It may also be a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any heavy lifting program, especially if you have a certain medical condition. Having the proper form is crucial, so if you are beginner and have never lifted, meet with a professional trainer to get started. We hope that through weight lifting, we can all achieve a healthier and stronger mind and body!
