3 Simple Benefits of Lifting Weights

I could go on and on explaining why strength training is great for you, but below are three, straight-forward benefits to lifting weights-

You Look Better
When we lift weights, our bodies go through physiological adaptations that involve neuromuscular and muscle fiber responses. Without getting too detailed, two muscle protein molecules, myosin and actin, contract, after receiving a motor neuron signal from the brain. This allows the muscle fiber to produce force. The more muscle fibers we recruit, and the more stress we put on them, the bigger and stronger our muscles get!

A lot of women can be a little hesitant putting on muscle because they think they will get too big or “bulky”. It is actually the opposite. Muscle tissue is denser than fat, which means five pounds of muscle will look a lot smaller than five pounds of fat. To look more “toned”, you need more muscle!

The only way to gain muscle is to induce an appropriate stimulus that will stress the muscle. Cardio does not achieve the same result. The intensity of long-duration cardio workouts isn’t high enough to create the same muscle-building response lifting weights does.

Gaining more lean muscle mass from strength training also increases your basal metabolic rate; it takes a lot more energy to maintain muscle than fat, so your body is burning more calories at rest when you start adding more lean muscle mass.

You Move Better
Strength training helps your body move! I know that doesn’t necessarily sound exciting, but it pays off in the long run. For optimal results, training all muscle groups to eliminate strength and muscle imbalances is your best bet. This leads to a better functioning body. Who wouldn’t want that?

Lifting weights trains your body to activate targeted muscle groups that can make everyday activities easier. For example, the more you practice the squat and deadlift, the easier it will be to lift something off the floor and reduce the risk of injury.

When you follow a structured, strength training program, your muscle memory is activated. Your body starts to respond to the repeated stimulus be changing and becoming stronger. It also won’t take you as long for your body to recover between workouts, after taking time off, or recovering from an injury. In fact, people who regularly resistance train tend to have faster recovery times after injury or surgery than those who don’t.

You Feel Better
Lifting weights can boost your mood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. It’s a natural antidepressant that can increase levels of dopamine, epinephrine, serotonin, and endorphins:

-Dopamine: The “feel good” hormone that plays a role in feelings of happiness and pleasure.
-Epinephrine: This hormone gives your muscles a jolt of energy, and is released in response to stress (e.g. lifting weights).
-Serotonin: Helps balance your mood and promotes feelings of well-being.
-Endorphins: These hormones help you overcome feelings of stress and discomfort.

Many times have I started a workout session feeling sluggish, unmotivated, and stressed from the day, only to leave an hour later with a smile on my face and a burst of energy.

Working out also promotes better sleep quality and restful sleep. Better sleep means better recovery, which means optimal performance and health

So if you are ready to look, feel or move better then reach out to us or book your free intro session today here

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