Weightlifting is more than just gaining muscle mass, there are various benefits that come with this type of training that most people don’t realize. Strength training isn’t just for experienced athletes and bodybuilders, they can be used in any type of fitness routine for anybody looking to challenge their goals and get optimal results. Check out these five incredible reasons why lifting weights are substantial to our overall health.
5 Reasons Why Lifting Weights is Great for Your Health
1. Promotes a healthy lifestyle
Not only does weightlifting improve your body composition and physical tone, but it encourages a healthier lifestyle. When one aspect of your health thrives, everything else like dieting and a positive mindset. Additionally, weightlifting promotes discipline and strong mental health. When you look better, you feel better, and when you feel better, you do better!
2. Boosts metabolism and fat loss
There’s a common misconception for ladies that weightlifting will make you look bulky and manly. Wrong! Muscle fights body fat and increases a strong metabolism. There are numerous ways to go about weightlifting, so according to your fitness goals increase or decrease your repetitions and your weights accordingly.
3. Increases physical performance
When your body gets stronger through weightlifting, it can affect other aspects of physical activity. Weightlifting will increase strength and endurance, making whatever sport you train more effective.
4. Improves bone health
Enhance your bone health through weight training. As we age, our bones get weak and brittle causing future osteoporosis. But with weight training, it can help with our bone density and overall performance.
5. Enhanced mood and energy levels
When implementing weightlifting into your fitness routine, you’ll notice higher energy levels and better moods. Though this goes hand in hand with benefit #1, weightlifting also promotes better quality sleep as well.
How to Get Started
If you haven’t picked up a pair of dumbells, don’t be intimidated! It’s always best to start somewhere than to not start at all. Follow these three ways to get started!
Focus on form
The key to weightlifting is all about form. Begin by perfecting your form in certain exercises without the weights. This prevents future injury which is the last thing you want.
Start light and easy
When you are comfortable with your exercises, gradually add on those weights! Start off with lightly while focusing on your form.
Gradually add weights
Once you’ve progressed with your form and added weights, slowly begin to add on additional weight (if needed). According to your fitness goals, you want to use weights the correct way. Looking to gain muscle mass? Increase your weights and reduce your repetitions. Looking for definition and tone? Increase your repetitions and reduce your weight.