8 Benefits to Strength Training

There is so much pressure out there to look a certain way. You can find a million “weight loss meal plans” for free on Google right now. We see it time and time again; as people look for seeking body change we try the latest trend, read the newest diet book and jump from program to program, expert to expert, diet book to diet book, all with the hope of stumbling across THE ONE that will work this time!

We think if we juuuuuust find that one additional piece of the puzzle, then we can finally get the results we want!

I’m here to tell you three things. One, consistency and dedication are the key ingredients to success –there are no shortcuts (sorry about that). Two, don’t worry about weight; if you are active and eat healthy food the weight will take care of itself. And three, trends and fads are just that. They don’t work for long.

So, here are eight solid reasons to begin strength training. Please take careful notice; the benefits of strength training go well beyond how much you weigh. Get started. The only place to go is up!

8 Reasons to Strength Train

1} Increased self confidence:

Carries over to life. Emotional, physical, mental confidence will help you in everything you do.

2} Build the Body You Want:

You can tone your body, shed weight and feel better in your own skin. It is NOT true that you will bulk up with strength training. Excessive body fat makes the body bulky. You will increase your metabolism and burn body fat by strength training. REPLACE 10 POUNDS OF FAT WITH MUSCLE AND BURN 25-30 CALORIES EXTRA PER DAY WITHOUT DOING ANYTHING ELSE. Your body will look and feel different.

3} Set positive goals for yourself:

This is easy to do when you strength train. Set goals to improve your performance in the gym. Don’t go with the goal of burning calories. Set yourself up to do one more pushup or to lift a heavier weight. This will create strength training as a lifestyle habit and keep you motivated as you watch your progress. Think only about beating your previous workout and not competing against anyone but yourself.

4} Health Benefits.

We probably all know exercise relieves stress in a positive and productive manner. Did you know that exercise:

• Reduces high blood pressure by approx. 40%
• Lowers the risk of colon cancer by 60%
• Lowers the risk of breast cancer by 50%
• Lowers the risk of Alzheimers by 40%
• Decreases depression as effectively as Prozac or Behavioral therapy

5} Lead by Example:

There is a shortage of positive role models for women. Training for strength, improving your health, and becoming the best possible you is a great way to teach the generations behind us. Show them women are physically strong.

6} Other methods such as fad diets, gimmick exercise machines, don’t work.

Get real results by using your muscles and your body in a healthy way.

7} Prevent diseases such as Osteopenia and Osteoporosis:

Doing load bearing activities helps prevent conditions such as these.

8} Bring out the best YOU.

Our job as trainers is to bring out the best you. Each woman has their own strengths and abilities. Some women are good at some exercises, some at others. Be strong in your own right and see what is inside of you.

For beginners…

1. Learn proper form
2. Stick to the basics and master the techniques in a few basic exercises.
3. Lift heavy with fewer repetitions and get stronger.
4. Be consistent and don’t give up. Our culture wants instant gratification YESTERDAY. Set small and achievable goals.
5. Start TODAY.