Benefits of Lifting Weights
Resistance training is more effective for fat loss than cardio alone – Lifting weights burns more calories than cardiovascular exercise, and we continue to burn calories after the fact in our body’s effort to repair and rebuild muscle. Here are a few other benefits of lifting those heavy barbells, kettlebells, and dumbbells!
More Muscle Burns More Calories – Lean muscle mass burns calories throughout our normal day. The more muscle mass we have, the more calories we will burn without even trying!
Strengthens Bones – We lose bone and muscle mass as we age, and resistance training helps to fight that by building back some of that mass. This is an especially important benefit for post-menopausal women who tend to lose even more bone mass due to a lack of estrogen. Lifting weights will reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Gain Strength – OBVIOUSLY. But really, think of how many regular daily activities would be easier if we had more strength? That means more independence when we need to get something done that involves heavy lifting, and we are less apt to get injured doing so.
Even better – women can gain that strength without gaining the bulk they may not want. Without the loads of testosterone that men have and excess amounts of calories, women don’t normally ‘bulk up’. Instead, look forward to some nice definition! Another bonus – stronger joints and connective tissue!
Reduce Health Risk– This benefit could be considered a twofer, but the conditions associated with heart disease and diabetes are so closely related, we really can’t separate them for the purposes of this post. A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning found that people who lift weights are less likely to have metabolic syndrome (high cholesterol and triglycerides, large waist circumference, high blood sugar and high blood pressure) and therefore less likely to have serious heart conditions or type 2 diabetes.
Bye Bye Stress– This benefit really applies to every kind of exercise. Movement helps alleviate anxiety by getting out that pent up energy! Additionally, you get a flood of feel good hormones that helps with stress.
Self Confidence – In a world where women are constantly told we can’t do something because we’re too weak or too you name it – it’s time to prove those naysayers wrong! Free weights and the pull-up bar are NOT off limits to women! Set your goals high. Let’s goooo!