Great Reasons to Try Weight Training

Weight Training For The Win

When we think of lifting weights or strength training, we might automatically picture someone trying to beef up or create big, bulging muscles—which might be the exact opposite of our workout goals if we’re looking to slim down, tone and tighten. But there’s so much more to it than just bulking up—and there are ways to train that won’t add bulk to your body at all. Don’t cheat yourself of all the great benefits that come from adding resistance and weights into your weekly routine. 

Let’s start with how absolutely amazing for you weight training is from head to toe. If staying fit is your goal, it increases your resting metabolism, helping you burn more calories throughout the day. It improves heart health by strengthening your heart and blood vessels—not to mention increasing bone density and preventing chronic diseases like osteoporosis.  

Lifting weights and training using resistance are great ways to increase your confidence, because they release endorphins, which are proven to boost your mood and make you feel more confident in your own skin. Better rest is also a great bonus, since weight training can help you get a more peaceful and less disruptive night’s sleep. Overall, strength training is credited with boosting brain power, preventing injury, enhanced flexibility, balanced blood sugar levels and better mental health. Seems like a no brainer. 

So how can you get started without breaking the bank? The great news is it’s super simple to begin a routine at home and see results. You don’t even need physical weights to build lean muscle mass and tone your body. With some strength training exercises like push-ups or lunges, you just need your body weight to provide resistance. Squats are a beginner-friendly exercise that work all the muscles in your legs and are easy to do using a chair or a bench for balance. Single bicep curls are excellent for toning upper arms—start with a few pounds of weight and add more as you get stronger. Don’t skip standard pushups if you want full-body results—this classic exercise works your chest, shoulder, tricep and abdominal muscles all with a single plank position. 

To go the extra mile, invest in some easy tools like dumbbells, resistance bands or a kettlebell. Dumbbells can be used for everything from shoulder presses, to chest presses and tricep extensions. Resistance bands are lightweight, cheap and portable in case you want to throw them in your luggage and take your workout on the road. And don’t forget: repetition, repetition, repetition. Reps get results. The bottom line? You don’t need a gym or a trainer to give weight training a try—just a little time and motivation. The results will benefit your mind and body, and add health and happiness to your everyday life. What are you waiting for? Ready, set, rep! 

Elle Kensington is a lifestyle writer based in NYC.