It’s funny to me that my job of choice is a personal trainer yet I rarely ever write about fitness. Maybe it’s because I teach/live it all day (maybe except for weekends) that my attention goes else where when I sit down in front of the keyboard. But not today, today I write about the importance of strength training. Why? Well… because it’s important. I’m aware that not everybody likes the gym and some people would rather stab their foot with a nail before they would pick-up a dumbbell but who knows, maybe I can influence just a little.
Ok, so here are the basics:
- More calories burned
- Better body mechanics
- Boosts energy levels
- Protects bone health
- Disease prevention
- Aesthetics
Now let’s break it down:
1. More Calories Burned. You need calories to make and maintain muscle. After you are finished with your workout your body continues to burn calories to repair and build it’s muscle. The more muscle you have the more calories you burn. I’m not saying to go out and become Arnold Schwarzenegger but a little bit of added muscle mass wont hurt you. Strength training can boost your metabolism by 15%!
2. Better Body Mechanics. When we are kids we are capable of running, jumping, hoping, rolling, twisting and swinging our arms around like wild monkeys but as we get older our ability to move so freely diminishes. Strength training (along with good stretching and balance exercises) will improve your balance, coordination along with your posture. As we age, strength training can also reduce our risk of falling by 40% – so no broken hips now ok.
3. Boosts Energy Levels. I know it might take a little motivation to start your workout but once you’ve finished your mood will be elevated and you will be thankful you did it. Strength training increases your endorphins that in turn leave you feeling awesome. And when you feel awesome life seems to be that much fabulous. It also helps you sleep better.
4. Protects Bone Health. So one of the lovely facts about being human is that after puberty we begin to lose about 1% of our bone and muscle strength every year. Bummer. But good news… strength training is one of the finer ways to stop, prevent and even reverse bone and muscle loss.
5. Disease Prevention. This one is kind of a no brainer. Usually anything that is healthy for you will ultimately prevent disease in some way. There are many studies out there documenting the benefits of strength training in relation to disease prevention, I could go on all day, but I wont. So here a couple facts to spike your interest – Strength training can be as effective as medication in decreasing arthritis pain. Strength training (along with other healthy lifestyle changes of course) can help improve glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes. And for the ladies – strength training can help post-menopausal woman increase their bone density and reduce the risk of bone fractures.
6. Aesthetics. Yes… strength training just down right makes you look better. When you feel and look better you gain confidence and confidence is one of the sexiest attributes one could have. If you want to look good in a bathing suit, fine, but consider strength training for more than just a hot body. As you read above it contributes to so much more.
K, now that your educated a bit more on the benefits of strength training make a plan to include it your busy schedules. Taking action equals results. You are not getting any younger and as many times as you’ve heard it before I’ll say it again “there’s no better time than right now”. Happy workouts!!!
Disclaimer: The material on this web site is provided for educational purposes only, and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
A view of Lake Hodges from the lookout from Elfen Forest.
Hot… but very happy puppies.
Rocking some awesome sunglasses.
You hike around a water reserve… makes for a great photo.
In the end the dogs got to swim in a stream… and get dirty, we stopped at IN-N-OUT and got them hamburgers (bun and meat only). Hopefully some of you will get a chance to visit Elfen Forest too!!!
