6 Benefits that Make Lifting Weights Worth It
Men and women alike can benefit immensely from following a strength training routine. Women, in particular, are very hesitant in picking up a pair of weights because they fear it might give them huge biceps or make their thighs look too beefy.
That is nothing but a myth. Lifting weights will definitely help you gain muscle, but instead of making you look “beefy” what they actually do is make your body look more sculpted and toned. And that is just one benefit you get from lifting weights! Check out the rest as listed below.
1: Burn More Calories:
Lifting weights can make your body burn more calories…even when you are just sitting on the couch after an intense strength training workout. This is because when you exercise with weights your metabolism stays high for longer.
2: Noticeable Progress:
Your body will soon start to show signs of the fact that you lift. And if you are a female reading this please do not freak out! The dresses fit (and look!) better on sculpted bodies. For men on the other hand, seeing their biceps get bigger is a huge, huge motivation.
3: Feel Happier:
Lifting weights can be awesome for your mental health too. Did you know that people who follow strength training routines report feeling less depressed and anxious? They also report having higher levels of self-esteem.
4: Improved Bone Health:
Lifting weights can improve bone density. This means that you have a lower risk of fracturing your bones. Strength training can be a really good way of looking after your bones especially as you grow older since with age they become brittle.
Strength training also improves your balance which means fewer chances of falling down accidentally which could result in broken bones!
5: Lose More Fat:
Losing weight and losing fat are not the same thing. The biggest difference between the two is that when you lose weight, the difference shows up on the scale whereas losing fat shows up on the tape measure.
Losing fat is healthier. Lifting weights can help you lose 40% more fat as compared to when you try losing it without the weights.
6: Live Longer:
People who lift not only live happier, but according to a study they also tend to live longer!
The way this works is that when you lift weights you increase your muscle mass and studies show that the more muscle mass one has, the less likely they are to die prematurely!
Just think about it, you can get all these benefits simply by incorporating few weights into your workout routine. Again, form is really important even while lifting weights. Another thing that is equally important when strength training is doing some good basic stretching exercises. Ideally, they should be a part of your warm up before beginning any type of exercise routine, but do not ever miss them when you are to lift weights.