Why Weight Training? The Benefits You Can Expect.

Training with weights, also known as weight lifting or performing resistance exercise, is one of the most misunderstood areas in fitness. People often will shy away from training with weights for reasons like the following:

• Fear of building big muscles or becoming 'muscle bound'
• A desire to lose weight coupled with the belief that cardiovascular exercise is the only answer
• Feelings of intimidation due to a lack of knowledge
• Feeling uncomfortable with the prospect of being around 'muscle heads' at the gym
• The belief that weight training is really only for athletes, bodybuilders, and power lifters

I'm sure the list of reasons for avoiding weight training goes on and on. However, these things are based on outdated perceptions and fears that can be overcome, and nearly everyone can benefit from some form of resistance exercise. Let's look at the direct benefits you can expect if you incorporate weight training into your fitness routine:

• Muscle Gain - The only way to make a muscle bigger and/or stronger is to make it work against resistance. Weight training provides this resistance.
• Weight Loss - Studies have shown that weight training coupled with aerobic exercise will help you lose weight faster than either one alone. Calories are an important part of the equation too.
• Better Bone Density - Fearful of osteoporosis? Bones also respond to weight lifting by becoming thicker and stronger.
• Better Body Shape - Muscles provide your body with shape. Fat obscures that shape. So the equation becomes more muscle + less fat = more shape. Need I say more?
• Improved Ability to Do Daily Tasks - Everything from walking up and down stairs to moving furniture require muscle. Adding even a little muscle size and strength will make these tasks much easier.
• Reversal of the Affects of Aging - As you age your bones and muscle slowly deteriorate. This doesn't have to happen, or at least happen so quickly. Even elderly people can reverse these effects by starting to train with weights.
• Confidence - When training with weights most people experience gains in self image, self esteem, confidence, and feelings of well being. Sure, many forms of exercise can provide these things, but there's a certain something about knowing you can push a heavy weight around like a child's plaything.
• A Body that Works Better - Weight training raises HDL (known as 'good' cholesterol), strengthens your heart, lowers blood pressure, and decreases the risk of many diseases such as Type II Diabetes. Your muscles aren't the only thing seeing the benefits!

Our modern society has taken us from where our ancestors came and the hard, physical work they had to do day in and day out. Most people are no longer required to do the hard kind of work that taxes muscles such as hauling water, building log houses, or moving bales of hay. But what hasn't changed is our body's need for that muscle stimulation. My hope and prayer is that you'll join me in making weight training a part of your fitness routine. Get started today!