If you want to build bigger biceps or get an elusive six-pack, strength training is an essential component for making it happen. But even if you're just looking to lose weight, you do not need to do hours and hours of cardio to reach your goals. The "fit" look you may be desiring comes from building muscle tissue, by lifting weights!
Before your next workout, consider these benefits of strength training and lifting weights:
1. Lifting weights can decrease your risk of sacopenia and osteoporosis. As we age our skeletal muscles deteriorate and become weaker. Strength training helps to build and retain muscle in order to stay stronger and live longer.
2. Lifting weights can be a preventative measure against several diseases and conditions. It can:
- Decrease risk of cardiovascular disease
- Boost immune function
- Lower risk of hypertension
- Reduce risk of diabetes
- Reduce levels of stress and anxiety
3. Life is simply a little easier when you are stronger! Carrying multiple bags of groceries? No problem! Lifting a heavy box? You got it! Plus, it's always fun to be the strong friend!
4. Improved metabolic health. Strength training builds muscle tissue which improves our resting metabolic rate (RMR) as muscle tissue is about three times as metabolically active as fat tissue. Which means the more muscle you have, the more calories you'll burn after an intense workout.
5. You'll just feel better! People who strength train find themselves with more energy and confidence, less stress, and in an overall better mood. Resistance training has also been proved to increase cognitive function as well!
Next time you work out, try hitting the free weights rather than the treadmill. We're not saying to never do cardio again, but it is beneficial to incorporate strength training into your daily workouts. Not sure how? Try taking an Edge Strong Class or try a Group X strength training class, with the help of the instructors you'll be lifting weights like a pro in no time!
Looking for more reasons to lift? Check out our blog on 3 Science Backed Benefits of Strength Training.
