The Many Benefits of Strength Training & Weightlifting
What exactly is Strength Training?
Strength training is the act of lifting weights to create dense muscle fibers, thereby leading to an aesthetic physique, higher metabolism, and muscular endurance.
Common styles of strength training and weightlifting you may be familiar with or have heard of include, but are not limited to…
Bodybuilding
Crossfit
HIIT
Powerlifting
Some specific types of strength training you may be unfamiliar with, but are not limited to…
Hypertrophy Training: Most common practice amongst bodybuilders. The goal is to increase muscle density and size by using moderate to heavy loads (weights) in a range of 8-12 reps. Best for beginners just starting
Strength Training: Here the goal is to improve maxim strength over a period of time through progressive overloading. Working with heavy to very heavy weights in a range of 1-5 reps with much longer rest periods. Best for those with a good base knowledge and experience with working out.
Dynamic & Explosive Power Training: This type of training is commonly performed by athletes, with the goal of increasing both power and speed. Working in various set/rep schemes, and executing lifts in an extremely forceful manner. Best for those looking to improve their athletic ability and enjoy getting after it.
Circuit Training: The second most common style behind hypertrophy, is training in full-body workouts. Think of Crossfit, F45, or any class-based gym in your area where multiple muscle groups are worked in a single session. Best for those who have a great knowledge of how to control their body and are able to shift quickly between movements.
No one style is better overall than the other. They are all great for what they are intended for. Knowing exactly what your goals are will help determine the style of training you should practice.
Some of the Many Benefits
Here we will cover a portion of the advantages of strength training. This list does not cover all of the incredible benefits of strength training, as that list can go on and on, and on, and on.
Boost Your Self-Esteem & Confidence
As a beginner to weightlifting, you will begin to notice your confidence improve and eventually skyrocket. As it is scientifically proven that weight training promotes self-reliance, through the ability to perform and complete tasks and goals while training.
And let us not forget the joy and pride you will feel as your friends, family, and coworkers alike begin to comment on weight loss, muscle tone, and how well you generally look.
P.S. It is also proven that being in shape makes you physically much more attractive, as a fit body is aesthetically pleasing and cannot be purchased. It must be worked for with dedication and consistency.
Increases Mood & Cognitive Function
Consistently exercising and pushing yourself to physical exertion leads to a natural release of endorphins. Studies have also shown that regular training reduces anxiety and is arguably the best/healthiest anti-depressant known.
With a reduction of anxiety, and a natural flood of endorphins to boost your mood and confidence. Your mind will clear and you can begin to think sharply, and strategically, with less emotional reaction and or overthinking.
Burning Calories, All. Day. Long!
Really, how does strength training do that?
You may be under the impression that doing cardio is best for burning calories. While steady-state cardio is great for burning calories immediately, Strength Training takes the gold medal here.
Strength Training and Weightlifting increase your metabolism in two ways:
Muscles are metabolically more efficient than fat mass and require more energy to recover than fat mass. Thus burning more calories at rest and while you sleep.
Studies have shown that after a proper strength training session, the metabolic rate can be increased up to 72 hours afterward. Collectively burning far more calories than a single cardio session.
Build Lean Muscle and Increase Muscle Mass
Typically when an individual embarks on a training program, their goal is to lose “weight”, and are often disappointed when the number on the scale doesn’t change.
This is because muscle weighs more than fat, and at the beginning of training you will gain muscle quickly and see little change on the scale. To be honest, you may not see a change in the mirror immediately either.
However, I promise you stick with it and you will eventually see the excess fat melt away and the muscle definition begin to shine.
As the density of the muscle increases, it will require more energy (calories) from the body to recover. Which will shed fat and create the ever-sought-after, “toned” look.
This takes a little time for the process to really kick in. But when it does, oh will you be happy.
Strengthen Bones and Reduce Risk of Injury
Strength Training and Weightlifting are both proven to not only slow Osteopenia but in some cases can reverse the process and increase bone density.
The stronger your bones, the lower your odds are of experiencing an injury. Strength Training will also improve the resilience of your tendons and ligaments, adding longevity to your life.
Now what do you do?
With the information you have just read, it should be clear that there is zero downside to starting a weightlifting program.
If you are new to working out and the gym, I suggest you seek a personal trainer (wink, wink) that can assess your current physical state and capabilities. The trainer should be able to design a program that is appropriate for you as an individual and guide you through the proper form and technique of each exercise.
Working out is not without its risks and safety should always be at the forefront when training, following the Fundamentals of Fitness.
While engaging in a strength training program may seem scary at first, with the help of a great personal trainer, the rewards will far outweigh any perceived risks, and safely lead you on the path to a stronger, healthier, more confident you.