If you are like me, I personally get bored with standing in one place with my feet solid to the ground doing bicep curls. BUT, it’s CRITICAL to do weight bearing exercises especially as we age! Below are just a couple reasons why weight training benefits you!
- Weight lifting helps you lose FAT! – One of the biggest mistakes people make when starting an exercise or diet program is to skip the weight training. When we cut our cals to start losing weight, we actually increase the risk of losing more muscle mass instead of fat! And when you lose muscle, your body becomes less efficient at burning fat. Muscle burns fat! The more muascle you have, the more calories you burn even at rest!
- You have more energy! You start to see a more confident YOU when you start defining your body, which energizes you to keep doing more! You are also less fatigued.
- You build stronger bones! – Bone responds to weightlifting the same way muscle does. Building stronger bones can be the defense mechanism against osteoporosis. It’s never too late to start lifting!
So what if you get bored with weight training easily, and that’s why you skip it? Some tips below will help you find your way with fitting this in and looking forward to it!
- Take GROUP classes! There are so many to choose from! But in a group environment, the energy of the instructor and the person near you motivates you to push harder and more! With any great instructor, it make actually be FUN and entertaining! Attending a class is an appointment as well. You can treat it just like going to your dentist appointment, don’t miss it!
- Workout DVD’s! – There are a wide range to choose from from Jillian Michaels 30 day shred to Tony Horton’s P90x and Chalene Johnson’s ChaLEAN Extreme! You have to find the personality “type” that motivates you to want to put that DVD in!
- Try Something New! Like CrossFit, Kettlebell training, or TRX- trying something new will change your mind set of how to “weight train” your body and get you excited to transform!
- Use your own Body Weight! I personally gravitate towards doing PiYo (Powder Blue Productions) as well as Insanity (Beachbody). You will be amazed at how challenging your weight training work out can be just by choosing this type of work out. Even doing push ups, squats, plyometrics, lunges can transform your body! Put some of your favorite music on and GO!
Don’t limit yourself to thinking that lifting weights, expensive machines, or gym membership is the only way to do strength training. If you have any health issues, ask your doctor what type of strength training is best to meet your needs and abilities. You can also work with a fitness expert to design a strength-training program that will be safe and effective for you.
Who doesn’t want to look better, feel better, and live a longer, healthier life? So what are you waiting for? Get started now with a complete workout program that includes strength training.