Can you believe that Week 1 of the Spring Into Shape Challenge is almost complete? Hopefully you enjoyed your cardio challenge, because today, it’s time to get strong. No matter your goals, strength training is an important part of any well-rounded fitness routine. Need more convincing? Here are four reasons to give strength training a go.
- You'll be better at, well, everything. No, we're not exaggerating the benefits. The physical act of lifting weights (or other forms of resistance) helps your body to increase its muscle mass, which makes lifting anything—not just dumbbells—easier. Carrying all those groceries in? Picking your kids up? Cleaning the house? Walking up stairs? All easier when you lift weights!
- You’ll build stronger bones. With regular strength training and other forms of weight-bearing exercise like walking and running, you improve the health and strength of your bones by improving or maintaining (depending on your age) your bone density.
- You’ll burn more calories. You probably already know that the act of lifting weights burns calories, but did you know that strength training can help you burn more calories even when you’re not working out? It all goes back to building muscle. It takes more energy (calories) for your body to use and maintain muscle cells than it does fat cells. By lifting weights, you’re boosting your metabolism and turning your body into a more efficient calorie-burning machine.
- You’ll stand taller. If you are following a full-body strength training plan, don’t be surprised if you notice yourself standing with better posture. Lifting weights can help improve your range of motion, coordination and strength of the muscles that help keep your body upright. Just a few weeks of strength training can help you stand taller with your shoulders back and chin up.
Today’s Challenge: It’s time for a full-body challenge! Warm up by marching in place for two to three minutes. Complete one to three sets of each exercise, with eight to 12 repetitions per set. Choose an amount of weight that is challenging but allows you to complete each full set with proper form. Try this workout a few times this week, leaving at least one day of rest in between strength workouts.
