Many people believe that if they exercise with weights they will end up big and bulky like body builders. The good news is that in order to achieve the results of a body builder, you need to follow a few specific training and eating program. If you are looking to lose fat and create a toned or defined body, regular weight is the answer you are looking for. In fact, regular weight training has many benefits, the most common listed below.
Weight training and your health
Regular weight training (around three times a week) has many health benefits. Not only will you increase your strength (beneficial for everyone regardless of your age) and your muscle mass (more muscle equals more calories burned) but you will experience the following benefits:
- Higher metabolism -- Muscle requires more calories than fat so the more muscle you have the more calories you will burn each day. The more calories you burn the more fat you burn meaning more weight loss.
- Weight loss and toning -- Weight training creates a body that looks much leaner and slimmer. Your clothes will fit better even if your weight doesn’t change.
- Improved strength -- Weight training creates a strong healthy body. With regular weight training you will strengthen not only your muscles but your bones and heart. With a strong body you will be less likely to suffer from illness or injury.
- Improved health -- Like all exercise, regular weight training will help to reduce your risk of lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This is great news if you have a family history of these conditions.
- Stress and tension reduction -- Regular weight training will help to reduce stress and tension, and gives you a way to vent your frustrations.
- Improved sleep -- Regular weight training like all exercise helps to improve your ability to fall and stay asleep, and also the quality of sleep you will have.
- Mental benefits -- Weight training, like other forms of exercise is an excellent way to treat depression and improve your self-esteem. Weight training has also been linked to improved mental abilities, making you smarter and helping to ward off Alzheimer’s disease.
Weight training options
When it comes to choosing the type of weight training you wish to do you have a number of program options including strength training (designed to build strength); fat loss training (designed to burn fat); endurance training (designed to increase muscular endurance); and power training (designed to increase power). In addition there are a number of weight options including free weights such dumbbells, barbells, medicine balls, and kettlebells; body weight exercises (an excellent option when you can’t get to the gym or any equipment); weight and cable machines; and resistance bands.
Weight training is something everyone can regardless of age. If you are new to exercise or weight training you can benefit from the advice of a gym instructor or personal trainer just to make sure you are using the weights correctly. Whether you are a beginner or advanced, you will benefit from adding weight training to your exercise program. Give it a go today and you’ll be surprised by the results.
Emma Lions - Emma Lions hold a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement) degree and has over 10 years experience in the health and fitness ...
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