Why You Should Incorporate Strength Training Into Your Exercise Routine

By John Breaux | February 1, 2019

Let’s be honest, doing cardio day in day out can get extremely boring, but exercise shouldn’t feel like a chore! The best way to keep your exercise interesting is to implement different types of training, and weights are a great option to pursue. Weight training provides a variety of benefits, and should be incorporated into your daily exercise routine. Let’s find out why.

It will help you burn fat

You read that right folks, mindless hours of cardio isn’t the only way to help you lose fat. When lifting weights, you are effectively building lean tissue, which is much more metabolically active than fat. This means that by increasing muscle, you are also increasing your metabolism, allowing your body to burn more calories throughout the day.

Lifting weights = strength

We all know weight training is great for increasing your strength, but the muscles you work doesn’t just allow you to lift heavier weight in the gym, they make all sorts of everyday activities easier. From carrying the groceries to getting work done in the garden, stronger muscles will help you become more mobile and capable of strenuous tasks.

It increases your stability and flexibility

Lifting weights keep your muscles activated, preventing atrophy later on in your life. Keeping your muscles well worked will help keep full range in motion in your joints, while also improving flexibility.

It reduces your risk for injury

Strength training is great for your muscles, but it also helps fortify your ligaments, tendons, and connective tissue. These are crucial for helping your body operate at peak efficiency, and will help protect you from serious injury.

It can be a great mood booster

Studies have shown that weight lifting can be a great way to build confidence, a key factor in boosting your overall mood and self-image. It has even been shown to help reduce anxiety and depression, making it a healthy way to deal with and manage stress.

It can be effective at chronic disease management

Weight training can be effective at helping manage chronic diseases like arthritis and diabetes. Those who suffer from chronic arthritic pain may find some relief by participating in weight training, as it will strengthen inflamed joints and tendons. Studies have shown that diabetes patients can improve glucose control with regular weight training.

As you can see, weight training is a powerful activity to implement into your weekly exercise. If you wan’t to begin a fitness program with weight training, but don’t know where to start, check out this guide to help you get on the right track.