10 Reasons To Start Weight Training Right Now
Here are the benefits of weight training and why you should start right now!
Helps your metabolism
Once weight training has started, most people tend to notice an increase in their resting metabolic rate. By training, you build lean muscle, and the more muscle you have, chances are the higher your metabolic rate. If you’re looking to lose weight, strength training will help more effectively than just cardio.
Builds muscle/ loses fat
If the goal of training for you is to build muscle and reduce fat, lifting is the pivotal exercise that will deliver results. Strength training build stronger muscles that prevents the natural decline in muscle as you grow older.
Stronger bones
Weight training helps bones toughen, decreasing the chance of injury. Training increases bone density.
Boost confidence and self-esteem
As you progress through your weight training plan, tracking your progress and gains, you will eventually begin to see physical results, which could give you a boost in confidence if you’re looking to feel healthier and improve your current body image.
Heart benefits
Cardio is not the only type of exercise which provides benefits for the cardiovascular system. In fact, strength training has been reported to lower blood pressure significantly by the College of Health Sciences’ Department of Health, Leisure and Exercise Science at Appalachian State University. Dr Scott Collier found that resistance training resulted in as much as a 20 percent decrease in a person’s blood pressure, and that the increase in blood flow decreased blood pressure. It is also suggested that lifting can prevent/ reduce the likelihood of heart disease.
For better sleep
It has been reported that people who exercise regularly sleep better throughout the night compared to those who exercise very little. Researchers at an annual SLEEP meeting presented a survey from the National Sleep foundation stating that even when sleepers get the same amount of rest, those who exercise report a better quality of shut-eye.
Diet improvements
Weight training requires a change in diet to see optimal results. Creating a diet plan that reaches your fat, protein and carbohydrate goals is just as important as the physical training. Apps such as Myfitnesspal and Macrotrack can help you discover what works well for you.
Handle stress better
Previous research has also found that strength training can release endorphins that help keep anxiety and stress as bay, as well as fight symptoms of depression.
Reduced risk of diabetes
Regular lifting helps prevent diabetes through its way of processing sugar and improving insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control.
Overall increase in happiness
Strength training has been linked to an improved quality of life overall. As stated above, it improves your quality of sleep, reduces stress and anxiety, and can boost your self-esteem. In the long run, chances are you’ll find yourself a happier person.
Let us know what you think about weight training in the comments below!
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21-year-old, University of Warwick student.