Why should I lift weights?
Ladies - If you lift weights you will not start to look like a man.
Gents – The old “I’d rather have a keg over a six pack” line won’t cut it anymore.
Weight Training has origins in bodybuilding, weight lifting and the sporting arena and has developed misleading reputations based on the role models of these industries.
Hulking men throwing dumbbells around in lycra bike pants and singlets five sizes to small for them screaming “can you feel the burn” “no pain, no gain” “go for the pump”. Females (and I use that term loosely) that wouldn’t look out of place on the side of an All Black scrum with a jaw that would rival Black Cap Lou Vincent’s!!!
If you want to look like these guys, go ahead and continue to lift weights and continue to keep buying those special pills from that guy out in the gym car park.
If you want to live a healthy lifestyle, look toned, feel strong and be the envy of all of your friends with your body, start lifting weights now (minus the special pills)
Current research shows that weight training has many health benefits for the average person. These include...
Replaces and builds lean muscle tissue – stops your muscle from wasting away with age
Increase functional strength – daily activities are easier to complete
Increases bone mineral density – builds stronger bones
Reduces the occurrence of osteoporosis – stops bones from breaking
Increases your metabolic rate – builds a bigger fat-burning machine
Increases energy expenditure – burns off more energy throughout the day
Increases fat loss – burn more fat all day
Enhances vitality and quality of life – keep enjoying your active lifestyle even as you get older
Improves posture – your muscles hold your skeleton together
Strengthens joints – muscles support your joints
Reduces injuries – stronger muscles and joints means less injuries
Reduces arthritis – more supportive muscles means less wear and tear on the joints
Reduces coronary heart disease – increases the good cholesterol and reduces the bad cholesterol
Reduces blood pressure – a stronger body means less effort performing daily tasks and less stress on your heart
Reduces diabetes – improves glucose metabolism and increases the uptake of blood sugars
Improves self esteem – looking and feeling strong can only build self confidence
Reduces depression – if you’re feeling healthy its hard to be depressed
So if you’re not lifting weights already (I don’t mean the crate of beer from the boot to the fridge), start lifting now. It’s easy. All you need is 30 minutes once a week and you will be on your way to building a new body.