12 Benefits Of Resistance Training

It’s no secret that I love strength training (read about how I find time for it here). Really and truly resistance training is my passion. I love it. My body loves it… but many people (a lot of females) are either unsure where to start or slightly nervous about picking up weights.

There are many reasons why I love resistance training (read below!) but before I get you all motivated there’s one thing I’d like you to keep in mind: just because you train with weights doesn’t mean they have to be uber heavy.

I think what most people fear when starting a strength training program is that they don’t want to be one of those people lifting what equals their body weight on a bar off the floor- and that’s okay!

I am personally one of those people but you don’t have to be! Instead, what you do need to focus on is using external resistance that chall9enges you.

Training with weights is amazing, and as long as there is enough of a stimulus to challenge your body you’ll see results. There’s no need (unless you want to!) to work towards anything majorly heavy. But there is a lot you can accomplish with dumbbells under thirty. So don’t be afraid to lift!

Below are 12 reasons why resistance training kicks butt

Reason #1 Weight lifting helps increase Your Metabolism

In simple terms, resistance training stimulates your muscles so they require fuel to repair, perform and grow (in a good way). 

Because muscles then use the fuel instead of storing it your metabolism increases.

Reason #2 Day To Day Activities Become Easier

The stronger you get the easier it is to perform daily tasks like picking up kids, carrying groceries and moving furniture.

Reason #3 Injuries Are Prevented

Not only will you understand how to use proper form when performing daily tasks thus reducing injury but you’ll also know how to recruit the necessary muscles to complete the task and provide less risk to joints, ligaments an d tendons by being strong

Reason #4 You need to work out less

As your body adjusts to lifting weights it needs time to recover and improve. During this process you’re still burning calories.

This means that you don’t need to lift weights as often as you would have to workout if you were just say running. Cardio may burn calories while you do it, but that’s it. Resistance training allows you to burn calories long after you’ve completed your workout.

Reason #5 Your Body Will Look Leaner/More Toned

To be honest, there is not a word I despise more than “tone”. But I’ll succumb to the fact that people resonate with it. “toning” is not actually possible but that’s a rant for another day. Regardless, strength training is what gives you the look so any people seek: one with defined muscles.

Reason #6 Your Quality Of Life Will Improve As You Age

If you don’t use it you’ll lose it. It’ a true statement! As we age we tend to use our muscles (and our bodies in general) less.

If you continue to stimulate your muscles though you’ll be able to keep doing the things you love as you age instead of experiencing limitations that are becoming all too common.

Reason #7 You’ll Sleep Better

Just like fresh air for children, lifting weights takes a lot of energy. This means that you’re going to need your rest in order to recover. Your body knows this and helps give you the best sleep it can.

Reason #8 It Helps Your Bones

Progressive loading on your skeleton helps prevent and improve osteoporosis (along with the necessary nutrients). Just like muscles bones can breakdown, recover and repair. Just at a much slower process. When you challenge them outside their normal activities they respond and become stronger.

Reason #9 To Improve Performance

If you’re a sports enthusiast, lifting weights will improve your performance. Even if you have no intention of doing anything professional, it’s nice to know that cross training work! Likewise if you want to add running (or a new activity) to your regime you’ll be better able to perform it just from being strong.

Reason #10 You’ll Improve Your Posture

Stronger muscles help pull your body into alignment and help you stand and sit easier.

Learning to activate the proper muscles and really use them will improve your posture.

Reason #11 You’ll Handel Stress Better

People who lift weights are shown to respond more calmly in stressful situations. It could be all the endorphins hitting your brain (yay) or just that you have an “outlet’ for when you are stressed.

Reason #12 Improved Balance

The stronger you are the better your balance. Basically because your body is able to maintain balance (due to your muscles working properly) on unstable surfaces. This is perfect as you age as you’re less likely to receive injuries from falling.

So there are you are! Twelve amazing benefits of picking up weights. Strength training isn’t just for those of us who want to max out our pulls. It’s for everyone. It improves quality of life, keeps you strong and will help you live longer (and be able to keep up with your kids). Figure out what works best for you and start picking up some weights!

Don’t forget to pin these awesome benefits!

Looking for more reasons to exercise and how? Check out these Five Exercises Every Mom Should Know and Why All Mamas Need Muscle