5 Benefits of Weight Training for Your Health

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When I hear the word “weightlifting”, I think of a huge man doing an intense workout at the gym. It’s a daunting image! However, people of any age, gender or experience level can try out weight training – and there are so many benefits of weight training for your health.

It’s simply a case of adding weights to your workouts to challenge and strengthen your body. You can use your own dumbbells at home or try out weight machines at the gym. There are no limits!

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of weight training for your physical and mental health.

5 benefits of weight training for your health

There are lots of opportunities to try out strength training, whether you love going to the gym or you prefer exercising at home. Weight training is great for your overall health and well-being – and it can help you build your self-confidence, improve your self-esteem and protect against high blood pressure and osteoporosis.

Choose smaller weights like 0.5kg or 1kg when you first get started. You can increase your weight as you get more experienced – but it’s always better to understand how to properly use and control your weights before you change up your exercise routine.

I’ve put together 5 key benefits of weight training for your health – including tips, tricks and exercises to make the most of your workout.

Just a note that I’m not a doctor or medical professional. Make sure to seek expert advice before starting a new exercise programme.

1. It’s great for your self-esteem

Weight training is great for your self-esteem!

If you’re feeling unconfident, weight training can remind you what your body can do for you. You can feel connected to your body, seeing how it moves and works to keep you healthy.

As you make progress in your training, you’ll feel strong and capable – and overcoming challenges gives you a sense of achievement.

2. You can maintain a healthy weight

Strength training can help you maintain a healthy weight. Building muscle can increase your metabolic rate, encouraging you to burn calories during your workout and even at rest.

Weight training can also reduce abdominal fat. This kind of fat leads to issues like heart disease or type 2 diabetes – so it’s a good idea to introduce a bit of weight training to your routine.

3. It protects against osteoporosis

Using weights can develop your bones – and this can help to protect against osteoporosis. This condition affects women in particular, and it increases in likelihood as you get older.

By trying out simple weight training exercises like bicep curls, you’ll strengthen your bones and avoid fractures as you age.

4. You can get stronger

It goes without saying that weight training builds muscle – and that gives you strength. This strength can help in your day-to-day life, such as when you’re picking up heavy shopping.

There are lots of different strength training exercises, including:

• Bodyweight exercises, such as squats
• Free weights, like dumbbells
• Weight machines
• Resistance band exercises

By building your strength, you can increase your mobility and flexibility – and you can reduce your risk of injuries. This is particularly important as you get older.

5. It’s great for your mental health

Finally, weight training is fantastic for your mental health. Like any fitness activity, strength training encourages you to release endorphins, boosting your mood.

You can use exercise to feel connected to your body, which is great for mindfulness and supports your overall well-being. Strength training can even reduce anxiety and improve your self-confidence, too.

Do you include any weight training exercises in your routine? Tell me in the comments!

Take care everyone x