Resistance training can do wonders for your health, fitness and strength, even if you’re just the occasional jogger and not really into bulking up. Regular weight training can give you great benefits, and we’re not talking only about building bigger muscles. Lifting weights goes way beyond getting buff and even if you work out only to be healthier, you shouldn’t be afraid of it – this article will give you 7 great reasons to start lifting!
1. Enhanced immune system and reduced risk of diseases
Maintaining a healthy weight and looking good aren’t the only factors that should convince you to hit the gym. Studies have shown that apart from making your muscles and tissues stronger, weightlifting can also strengthen the immune system, i.e. your primal body-guard that fights off viruses and bacteria while maintaining a normal blood pressure and adequate insulin levels as well.
According to William Haskell, a medical professor at Stanford University, people who exercise regularly live an average of three to seven years longer than couch potatoes. Exercise keeps you healthy by significantly lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer and diabetes.
2. Muscle & bone health
Resistance training tends to be most efficient at keeping your bones and joints healthy and lowering the risk of fractures. In addition, since weightlifting strengthens the muscles, ligaments and tendons and increases their flexibility, you’ll be less prone to other common injuries as well.
Related: 12 Reasons You Should Start Lifting Weights (Besides the Looks)
3. Boosted testosterone levels
Testosterone is a vital hormone that enhances muscle building, helps your body regulate fat storage and maintains your mood and libido. And there’s no better way to naturally spike your testosterone levels than lifting weights – yes, that’s a scientific fact.
But moderation is the key here, since spending too many hours in the gym every day can increase your cortisol levels and lead to a drop in testosterone. In addition, all that testosterone can significantly improve your s*x life – apart from being in great shape, your drive will go through the roof.
Many studies have shown that even people suffering from serious cases of erectile dysfunction can benefit greatly from regular exercise.
4. Improved brain function
Regular weightlifting can lead to improvements in memory, focus and reaction time. In fact, any physical activity can help the stressed-out brain get refreshed and ready for new challenges.
Studies in rats have shown that physical exercise boosts BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor – a molecule that promotes the growth and survival of brain cells) levels in the hippocampus, which is a brain structure crucial for learning and memory formation.
5. It will increase levels of energy
A 30-minute mid-afternoon workout will replenish your energy levels, repair any damage caused by stress and help you keep a sharp focus throughout the rest of the day. Physical activity delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and enhances the function of the cardiovascular system, helping all of your organs work more efficiently.
Sometimes we’re inclined to skip a workout because we feel too drained, but even then, exercise can effectively activate our whole body and lead to a boost of energy and enthusiasm by reversing the negative effects of a busy working day.
6. It will balance out the mood swings
Multiple studies have shown that lifting weights works better than medication for people who suffer from anxiety and depression – and doesn’t bring any negative side effects too!
Through the release of endorphins, any physical exercise will relive tension and stress and boost your physical and mental energy, but if you’re feeling especially blue or agitated, weightlifting is your new best friend.
It’s proven itself to be most effective for releasing of all those suppressed negative emotions, and since it demands a high level of focus and mindfulness, it will also prevent your thoughts from wandering outside the gym throughout the whole activity. Try doing it regularly for a few weeks and you’ll be feeling significantly more relaxed and positive.
7. It will increase self-confidence
Watching your body progress from being plump and weak into a muscular sculpture will greatly enhance your sense of power and confidence. And what’s a better way to boost definition than weightlifting?
Together with the development of your muscle mass and strength, you’ll score an improvement in both posture and overall attitude. It will be easy to transfer this newfound feeling of empowerment to all areas of life and success will naturally follow.
Related: 5 Unusual But Scientifically Proven Techniques for Boosting Your Self-Confidence
