5 Reasons Why You Should be lifting weights
Looking strong is really cool, but there are so many other health benefits associated with strength training. Here are 5 non-aesthetic benefits of lifting weights!
I know I’m biased, but I think that strength is pretty much the coolest thing in the world. I find it incredibly empowering to walk into the gym and confidently pick up some heavy shit. Outside of aesthetics and feeling like a badass, have you ever thought about all of the other benefits associated with lifting? Looking strong is definitely cool, but strength training has so many other positive effects that are often overlooked when we consider whether or not to lift weights.
5 Benefits of Strength Training
Building Muscle
I think this one is pretty obvious! There’s definitely an aesthetic component to strength training and seeing your muscles start to pop is a really cool feeling. When I first starting lifting, it was the first time that I really started to focus on what my body can do instead of how it looks and that was a really powerful mindset shift in my fitness journey.
Decreased Risk of osteoporosis and sarcopenia as we age
As we age, everyone will experience age related loss of bone density (osteopenia) and muscle mass (sarcopenia). Lifting weights is without a doubt the best way to slow this process and reduce the risks associated with advanced bone and muscle loss. This will help to reduce the risk of injury from things like falling as you get older and will also help you maintain your independence for longer.
Decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension
Being active in strength training is beneficial for all of your body systems, not just your muscles and bones. When you lift weights, both your blood pressure and heart rate increase to meet the greater demand for oxygen from your muscles. Your body will them adapt to this imposed stressor and in turn reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure in the long term
Functional Fitness and Independence
Strength is never a weakness and there are all kinds of daily activities that require strength to accomplish independently. Sure you may not be training for a powerlifting meet, but wouldn’t it be nice to be able to carry in all of the groceries in one trip or guarantee that you can open the pickle jar by yourself?
Improved metabolic health
Strength training helps to increase your resting metabolic rate (RMR), which in turn increases your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). RMR is the number of calories that your body burns at rest doing things like breathing and pumping blood. RMR is affected by the amount of lean tissue you have; more lean tissue equals a higher RMR. We already know that strength training increases the amount of lean muscle on your body, which requires more energy.
There are a ton of reasons why strength training should be incorporated into a healthy routine to promote longevity and overall well-being. Whatever your motivation, get out there and lift some weights!
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