It is often said that there are several different ways to be fit. For the most part, people tend to focus on cardiovascular fitness – that’s why we run, jog, swim, and anything else that gets our hearts pumping. There’s no doubting the fact that cardiovascular fitness is important, but it’s not the only aspect of fitness that matters.
Many people tend to neglect weight and strength training. These disciplines are often dismissed as being for the pursuit of vanity; for those who want to have huge muscles and toned abs. If that’s your bag, then there’s plenty of help out there to help you achieve it. The internet is full of startling information to get the perfect toned physique, and these guys may have discovered the secret on how to get buff and able to show off the body of your dreams in no time.
Of course, strength and weight training should not solely be the reserve of those who want to enhance their aesthetic appeal. There are plenty of reasons that weight training should be added into any fitness regime – and let’s investigate those now.
1 – Increases Bone Health
Our bones need to be used to be healthy. While the mere act of existence uses them to an extent, if you add strength training to your regime, then they’re constantly being tested and put under pressure. On the face of it, that might sound like a bad thing; surely it’s bad to be putting bones under pressure?
Nope; our bones need it. It keeps them healthy throughout life. So while weight training such as use of kettlebells might seem like it’s just giving your muscles a workout, there are actually benefits to your skeletal system too.
2 – Increases Your Endorphin Levels
Anyone who works out is probably familiar with the powerful impact that endorphins can have. These hormones are responsible for that delightful workout ‘high’ that all of us need to get through the week.
It’s not just cardio work that produces endorphins, however. Strength training also gives a rush of the feel-good feeling, with some people claiming the endorphin rush from strength training actually lasts for longer.
3 – Increase Your Calorie Burn
It’s tempting to think that the only way of burning calories is to hit the treadmill. Most of us associate weight loss with cardio exercise that leaves us panting, but muscle workouts burn calories just as efficiently. For example, the calories burned during a 30 minute session are impressive. So if you’re trying to maintain or lose weight, adding some strength work in will do you the world of good.
So whether you’re trying to create the perfect figure or just want to guarantee yourself a well-rounded workout, make sure you head for the weights section the next time you’re at the gym!
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