Top Ten Reasons to Get Hooked on Strength
Training: Part 4
>Why do some men and women, in the effort to improve their fitness, still
resist strength training? Here are some motivating ideas for building
strength training confidence and helping you understand why this method of
exercise is so very important to your success…
1. Strength train to lose fat: One of the biggest mistakes people make when
starting an exercise program is not including strength training with their
cardiovascular exercise and low-fat eating regimen. This is unfortunate
because when we cut calories without exercise, we can lose muscle as well as
fat. And when you lose muscle, your body becomes a lot less efficient at
burning fat. However, when you gain muscle through strength training , you
can actually condition your body to burn fat more efficiently...24 hours a
day!
2. You feel strong and fit: It's a great feeling when you look in the mirror
during your strength training workout and see your back muscles, biceps,
shoulders, and legs flexing. If you're unsure about proper lifting
technique, hire a personal trainer for a few sessions. The money you invest
is well worth it, as is the time and energy you put towards an effective
program. And strength training can definitely increases your confidence.
It's a wonderful feeling to feel strong, especially after a workout. You
look forward to looking in the mirror, and actually like what you see.
3. You have more energy: Even if you're just starting out with a few basic
strength training exercises, very quickly you won't believe how fantastic
you'll feel. Instead of making an excuse to skip your strength training
workout, you'll make excuses to do just one more set. Plus, with the excess
fat you're going to lose, there will be less of you to lug around and
therefore less fatigue.
4. You’ll finally see the results: Knowing what to do makes all the
difference. Many people go to the gym for months – even years – and wonder
why they're not getting any results. Well, it's because they're doing the
same darn strength training workout every time.
This is a critical point: you can either quit out of frustration, or you can
become a sponge for knowledge and get some help. Get your hands on fitness
magazines, books, the trainers at the gym, ask other successful exercisers,
or hire a coach. Learn what you need to do to make your strength training
program successful. Acquiring the knowledge and getting help is all you need
to get hooked.
At first you may question what you're doing: are you going to get too big,
are you wasting your time, how do you know this will work? But then you see
other men and women who have been strength training for years and they look
terrific. Here's the telltale sign that your strength training program is
working: you start to see definition and feel firmness in muscles you never
thought you had.
5. You won't get bored: I suspect many people don't strength train because
they think it will be boring. Just remember to change your strength training
routine every 3-4 weeks to keep things fresh and your body responding to
your strength training. Change the reps, the sets, the weight, the rest
period, the exercise order, etc. Strength training only gets boring if you
allow it to.
6. You have everyday, functional strength: Strength training does wonders to
help you with activities of daily living: Housework, yard work, moving
furniture, and carrying bags of groceries without gasping for air and
pooping out within minutes. If you have a medical condition such as
arthritis or multiple sclerosis, lifting weights can be a godsend. You can
rely on weightlifting to keep you strong where once all your strength was
gone.
7. You have a stronger back: Juggling a 30-pound toddler and a few bags of
groceries while pulling out the stroller can put your back in a compromising
position. When you lift strength train, you strengthen your upper and lower
body, which reduces strain on your back when you're forced to lift heavy
loads. Plus, don't you think it would feel really good to walk around
knowing that your back is as tight and toned as your legs?
8. You can train at home: Have you been putting off getting started with
your strength training program because you felt you had to belong to a gym?
You can implement a very effective strength training no matter where you
are. Invest in some dumbbells and an adjustable bench and you're set. Get
some exercise videos or books that focus on strength training; now you can
lift weights on your own anytime you like.
9. You can get rid of pain: Do you have limited range of motion in your
joints? A bad knee? A wrenched neck? Bum shoulder? Strength training
promotes strength in your joints so you have ease of movement. That old knee
problem improves enough for you to can go hiking in the mountains for days
without pain. No pain, more endurance. You can do more outdoorsy things -
and have fun while doing them!
10. You build stronger bones: Bone responds to strength training the same
way that muscles do, by becoming stronger and denser. Building strong bones
can be the best defense against osteoporosis. You're more active, more
mobile, and without lower back pain. And age doesn't matter; you can start
when you're 65 and still experience tremendous benefits from a strength
training program. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO START A STRENGTH TRAINING PROGRAM!
I hope you found this information helpful. Your greatest challenge is not
learning new exercises or the proper strength training technique; it's not
learning how many sets or reps to do or how much weight to use. Nor is it
deciding when or how to change your strength training routine. The greatest
challenge facing you at this moment is deciding whether you are willing to
take action and make time for yourself and make strength training a
priority.
When you begin achieving great results, the excitement and fun you
experience will make the change and time you've spent well worth the effort.
Action creates motivation! Good luck: I hope you enjoy all the wonderful
benefits of an effective strength training program.
Strength Training Exercises Part 5 >>>
Strength Training Training Exercises Part
3
Strength Training Training Exercises Part 2
Strength
Training Training Exercises Part 1
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