5 Benefits of Weight Training You Didn’t Know Existed

The common belief among people, especially those who are new to the world of fitness world believe strength training to be the sole territory of highly experienced athletes and fitness enthusiasts. This is, however, absolutely untrue. On the contrary, strength training is a wonderful addition to your fitness regimen that has great physical, health, and mental benefits and is applicable for individuals at any fitness level. 

Here is why and how you should include this important piece into any training program:

The Benefits of Weight Training

As already mentioned, strength training has a variety of benefits, not just limited to the physical aspects. The following are the benefits of strength training:

•    It improves physical work capacity

•    It improves the ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL's), which in turn allows you to work harder and longer with the proper weight training activities.

•    It improves bone density. 

•    It promotes fat-free body mass and increases the strength of tendons, muscles, and connective tissue, which in turn decreases the risk of injury and improves motor performance.

•    It helps you gain overall body confidence. 

It is, therefore, evident that not only does strength training make you strong physically; it also helps you manage your weight and boost your confidence levels.   

How to Get Started

If you’re one of the many who hasn't started on weight training yet, you must make sure to consult a fitness specialist or personal trainer before doing anything. Not only does it make for a fantastic first step, these professionals will properly explain you the basics, show you proper form, and even set-up a weekly program suited for you.  Experienced athletes can benefit from consulting professionals too since they can explain the right way to overload your body to achieve the fine line between muscle injuries and under-achieving your goals.

A Few Tips to Get you Going on Strength Training:

•    Start slowly to lower the chance of soreness and injury

•    Start with single sets and work your way up to multiple sets.

•    Use the weight amount that is suitable for your type. Remember, that by using too much weight, you will expose yourself to a greater risk of injury and by using lesser weight, you will never achieve the desired benefits of weight training. 

•    Allow your muscles time to recover and rest. Give a gap of 48 hours between training the same muscle group.

•    Jazz-up your weight training sessions: Remember that weight training doesn't need to be boring.  Not only does a making regular switch to your routine help you avoid boredom, it acts as the best way to gain strength. Switching-up of routines can be done by changing reps or sets, varying time between sets, choosing different exercises, and varying your speed. You can also switch-up your equipment by using free weights, machines, bands and bars, and even your own body weight.