6 BENEFITS OF WEIGHT TRAINING

Also known as strength or resistance training, weight training involves any activity that puts a load on your muscles, which stimulates them to become stronger. Strength training might involve just your body weight, a set of resistance bands, dumbbells, kettlebells or barbells.

Become stronger
The first one sounds a bit obvious, but it’s true, lifting weights will increase your strength. One method of strength training that will achieve this is progressive overload. Progressive overload means challenging your muscles and body by gradually increasing the stress put on them. For example, increasing the amount of weight you are lifting or increasing the number of reps per set. This will help you avoid a plateau and continue to gain strength.

Physical appearance
It can transform your body. Gaining muscle and losing body fat will give you a more strong and defined appearance, giving you increased confidence in how you look and feel.

Helps mentally
Many people first pick up weights for the physical health benefits of weightlifting but stick with it for the mental health benefits. Research has shown that weight training reduces the frequency and severity of depressive symptoms. Strength training increases levels of feel-good chemicals (such as endorphins and endocannabinoids) in the brain.

Self-discipline
Training over a long period of time requires commitment, being able to force yourself to go to the gym and pick up those dumbbells even when you don’t feel like or can’t be bothered takes self-discipline but fills you with an immense sense of achievement once you get it done. Remember, nobody ever finished a workout and regretted doing it!

Supports fat loss
When lifting weights, you build lean muscle. Simply put, the more muscle you have, the quicker your metabolism will work. This means that weight training will help to boost your metabolism, and in turn, burn more calories, meaning a reduction in body fat and improve weight loss.

Injury prevention 
Weight training strengthens more than just your muscles, it also increases the strength of your bones and connective tissues. This helps to prevent injuries and maintain a strong and healthy body.