Traditionally, people associate weight training with men who want to bulk up but lifting weights is beneficial for all, and once you know what you’re doing, it won’t seem so daunting and you’ll probably even enjoy it.
Will lifting weights make me bulky?
This is a common worry amongst women who are concerned that lifting weights will make them put on loads of unwanted muscle. Due to the low levels of testosterone in women, this is not the case and means you can tap into the wealth of benefits weight training can offer you. Of course, if you do want to put on muscle or get stronger, with the correct training and balanced diet this can be achieved.
I want to lose weight though, how can weight training help?
While cardio is very beneficial when trying to lose weight and burn calories, alone it is not as
effective as combining with weight-training. Lifting weights burns more calories than you may think and if you put in lots of effort, you’ll find your heart rate elevated which in turn will burn more calories. Weight training, unlike traditional cardio, can also continue to burn calories after you’ve finished for some time due to various effects on your body. It will also help you to tone your muscles in ways that cardio simply cannot do.
I don't exercise regularly, why do i need to lift weights?
We all need a healthy level of muscle in our bodies to function and complete day to day activities. As we age, our muscle levels decline unless we work hard to maintain them. This will also keep you in great shape as you get older. This decline in muscle tissue starts from as young as 30!
Protect your body
We’re all guilty of having bad posture at some time or another – slouching at our desks or bending incorrectly. Weight training reconditions your body and will help you improve your posture and make your body stronger against injuries by following proper form.
Heart and sleep
If all of that hasn’t converted you by now, weight training is extremely good for your heart health. Scientists have confirmed that weight training provides more benefits to the heart and circulatory system than cardio activities such as running or cycling alone. After all that hard work, you may also find that your sleep improves, so what’s not to like?
It’s fun
Weight-training doesn’t have to be boring or the same as everyone else. There are so many different exercises you can do to target different muscle groups and once you realise that you’re stronger than you think, you’ll get the bug.
Remember, the most important thing when training with weights is to make sure you are doing everything correctly.
If any of these benefits sound interesting to you or maybe you’re unsure how to start, get in touch. I can teach you some basic exercises to do either at home or in the gym, create a bespoke plan or if you are interesting in personal training sessions then I will be more than happy to help.
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