3 Reasons to Lift That Have Little to Do With Muscle
By Genevieve Cunningham
When many people think of weight lifting, they imagine big buff men like Arnold Schwarzenegger. They think of rippling muscles, the strength of an ox, and a ton of time spent in the gym. But let’s face it: To look like Arnold, you have to work like Arnold, and that means working specifically toward a bodybuilder’s physique. For the common man or woman, weightlifting brings results that are much less mild … and honestly, results that are far more desired. But lifting weights isn’t all about the muscle. It can actually improve your health in many different ways. To really understand why you should hit the gym and pump some iron, take a look at these three reasons to lift that have nothing to do with bigger muscles.
Stability
The stronger your muscles become, the more likely you are to experience an improvement in stability in the body. When the body is stable, you’ll have more balance, greater strength, and better endurance. Stability is what keeps you going, what keeps your body capable, and one of the most underappreciated aspects of health. Lift weights regularly, and you’ll likely see this part of your health improve.
Fat Burn
Weights burn fat faster than almost any other type of exercise. Yes, cardio is good, but in most cases, lifting is better! Weight lifting creates more muscle, and the more muscle you have, the more energy your body requires. If you don’t increase your caloric intake, then this means that you’ll likely burn off some fat. And who doesn’t want to burn fat? If this is your end goal, then beginning a weight lifting routine is an excellent idea.
Confidence
Those who lift are likely to feel a boost of confidence as they engage in the workout. Why? Because weights can make you strong and toned. And a strong and toned body is something to be proud of … something that many people are working toward every day. If you’re feeling low or have low self-esteem about the way your body looks, weight lifting might be a great place to start.
If you don’t already lift weights, it’s definitely time to start. A good routine can bring numerous benefits to your life, and especially to your health. Join your local gym to hit up a weight room, or you can buy some handheld weights and begin slowly at home. Whichever you choose, make lifting a part of your fitness routine to gain these awesome benefits plus many more to come.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mission, Tex.