Physical & Mental Benefits Of Resistance Training.
Resistance training has created quite a buzz in the past few years, thanks to Instagram and bodybuilding competitions. The stigma that females will "get too bulky" has been thrown out the window as we now see many females and males lifting heavier weights than ever!
While the physical benefits of resistance training are obvious, have you ever stopped to think about the mental and internal benefits of lifting weights? Well Datefit is here to tell you how your body is going to thank you for resistance training on a regular basis.
By exercising for 30 minutes at least 5 days per week, over time you will notice:
1. Decreased risk of disease: Resistance training decreases severity and instance of Heart disease, Diabetes, obesity, Osteoporosis, Arthritis etc. Heart Disease remains one of the leading causes of death and the US, and can be prevented with an increase in physical activity and resistance training. We are all aware that RT increases muscle mass and decreases fat mass, both of which will GREATLY impact the obese population.
2. Improves your mood: Resistance training has been shown to decrease anxiety and depression. This happens through the release of endorphins, which in turn makes you a happier & more energetic person. Resistance training will also increase confidence and productivity, overall a HUGE change in mood simply lifting weights.
3. Improves physique: When you exercise with cardio alone, you only burn calories during that 30 or 45 minute time frame that you are on the cardio machine. By incorporating resistance training, you will increase muscle mass which burns more calories at rest. Yes, that means that your body will become a calorie burning machine ALL DAY compared to 30 minutes per day.
4. Improves ability to perform daily activities: Resistance training improves flexibility, range of motion and strength of your body as a whole. This will allow you to walk up the stairs easier, move heavy boxes and furniture, or carry your children around with ease!
6. Improves sleep: By expending a larger amount of calories per day and breaking down muscle tissue during a lifting session, your body will crave rest. Over time, your body will fall asleep earlier and will increase your quality of sleep! Be sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep in order to recover and keep your body in an optimal muscle building state.
Hopefully by now you understand the benefits of lifting weights aside from looking good in a swimsuit! Next time you are hesitant to resistance train, remember all of the health benefits you will reap by doing so. Pass this along to a family member or friend that needs encouragement to change up their exercise routine, they will most definitely thank you later!