Resistance training is very beneficial for the human body. Whether we call it resistance training or strength training, we are referring to exercises that use resistance to strengthen muscles. There are so many great reasons why you should get up and get your body active, but today we will focus on some of the very best reasons to motivate you to incorporate resistance training into your daily routine. It’s time to pick up the weights, and start lifting friends.
More Muscle=Higher Metabolism
I love science and learning about the human body. To be a great teacher at anything, you must always be willing to learn more and be teachable. When I first fell in love with working out (yes, you can fall in love with fitness) I was beyond happy to learn the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism will be. How exciting is that? Lean muscle means more calories burned. Let me repeat that…The more lean muscle you have the more calories you burn! If your goal is fat loss then this is your flashing yellow sign telling you to get moving. Keep in mind a well balanced nutrition plan is important too! So, fuel your body accordingly.
When you perform strength training exercises, you burn extra calories for days. Also, great news! Unlike cardio, where you burn extra calories only in the moment. Don’t get me wrong, both are valuable and important, so don’t skimp on cardio. If you hate the monotony of cardio machines, do HIIT cardio instead with exercises such as intervals of 30 second sprints followed by 1 minute of walking. Either way, don’t avoid resistance training!
Say hello to your new best friend, Squats.
If you are new to the gym, check out the beginner 3 day exercise program I designed that you can do at home or the gym. The first part of the series is a chest and back day. The second part to the series is a leg and shoulders day. The third part to the series is a biceps and triceps day. Always listen to your body and know your own limitations. Cheers to not having the intimidation or fear of not knowing how to even begin at the gym!
Love The Skin Your Are In
There is a crazy phenomenon that happens when you workout. Your body responds to strength training by changing. Your waist becomes smaller and your new strong muscles create lean curves that bring about a whole new confidence level.
More muscle means an improved physique. This brings me back to the old adage that a pound of muscle weighs the same as a pound of fat, however a pound of muscle takes up a whole lot less space. What that means for you, is that the more lean muscle mass you have, the leaner you will be. Weight lifting doesn’t make you bulky, instead it rewards you with a small waist and a toned fit body.
Nutrition is paramount for a healthy body. When you change your nutrition to match your level of fitness, you will notice the shape of your body changing. The powerhouse combination of working out and eating a high lean protein diet with high fibrous foods and lots of colorful fruits and veggies is the key to success in the fat loss game of life. You can do this! All it takes is about an hour working out daily and discipline in the kitchen. It really comes down to how bad you want to change your body composition.
Make Your Bones Stronger
As you age, your muscle mass decreases. What that means is that we lose muscle as we get older. To combat this, we can incorporate strength training with weights, bands, suspension training straps, or our own body weight. Studies show that strength training puts stress on bones which increases bone density. Walking and other low impact exercise does not have the same bone strengthening effect as resistance training does. What this means is that performing strength training exercises can prevent bone loss and the loss of muscle mass. Strength training is essential for bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Live Longer
Strength training increases longevity. Who doesn’t want to live longer? A study done by the American Journal of Epidemiology found that strength promoting exercises such as those using your own body weight decreased mortality/death by 26% and cancer mortality/death by 31%.
That is great news for us and even more reason for us to start a resistance training program. The study also found that the exercises didn’t have to be performed at the gym with fitness equipment. People had the same benefits when performing their own body weight exercises at home such as squats, push ups, and pull ups.
Feel Happier
Exercising makes you happy. When you exercise, your body creates endorphins. Endorphins are peptides created by the pituitary gland and the central nervous system. These little neurochemicals act on the opiate receptors of the brain. Endorphins lower pain and increase pleasure in the body. What this means for you, is that when you exercise, your body creates “happy” endorphins. Exercise = Greater Happiness.
Studies also show that exercise reduces depression. Sometimes, you may not feel like working out. However, very few people regret a good workout after they complete a strength training session. The feeling of accomplishment is the best reward. So, if you are feeling down, get out of your funk and get moving. It’s time to feel good about yourself and your life.
Happy Oils for Your Workout
Lately, I just love this energizing blend for my workouts.
I create a roller ball bottle and roll along the back of my neck and spine and on the bottoms of my feet. So. Much. Goodness.
For this uplifting recipe blend, check out my roller bottle recipes blog. As always, if you don’t already have an oil lady, I would love to be yours. Message or call me to get started with the happy oil life.
Weight lifting will not make you bulky or too muscular ladies. Strength training is the game changer when it comes to your body composition. Don’t be afraid to dip your toe into the strength training world. Jump on in and enjoy all the amazing benefits of working out regularly.
Changing Lives Every Day
~Dawn
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