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There are more reasons then 6 pack abs and having a booty that's "licious" when it comes to resistance training. I hear people say all the time that they run 5 miles a day or they do cardio exercise 4X a week. Which is GREAT, don't get me wrong! But it's not enough. Resistance training is critically important when it comes to your overall health. Here are 4 reasons why:
Even though cardio burns more calories in the short run, weight lifting burns more calories overall. Your body has to expel more energy (calories) to retain muscle cells than it does to retain fat cells. So by increasing your muscle mass by resistance training, you'll boost your metabolism and turn your body into a more efficient fat-burning machine. Cool!
Osteoporosis effects 10 million Americans and 80% of those patients are women. 10 million, just to give you perspective, is more than the cities of L.A., Chicago, Houston and Phoenix PUT TOGETHER! The stress of lifting makes your bones stronger, to put it simply. I could get more sciencey about it, but let's keep it simple!
Research shows that between the ages of 30 and 70, women lose an average of 22 percent of their total muscle. And you know what sucks? Over time, that void of muscle can become filled with FAT! (Of course, right?!) One pound of fat takes up 18% more space than one pound of muscle. Yet another reason to throw the scale out and use pictures and measurements to check on progress.
Resistance training strengthens your gut microbiome. Believe or not, there are microbes that live in your gut that aid in the process of muscle recovery. These microbes like to feed on lactic acid which is what makes you feel sore after a workout. They exist when the need for muscle recovery is present so that means they’re only around when you’re lifting and breaking down muscle. Their presence actually makes your gut stronger! And strong gut health means a strong body that becomes more resistant to complications like auto immune disease. Please please understand this... the health of your gut literally determines the health of your body. Take it seriously!
Other benefits of resistance training include: healthier heart, better brain function, and decreased risk for diabetes. You know, just a few more important things peeps might wanna care about. :)
Also, for those of you who think that weight lifting isn't enough to keep your cardiovascular system in check, I challenge you to go do 15 weighted squats and NOT have your heartbeat increase! Wanna step it up a notch? Add a jump at the top of your squat. (med weight, not a super heavy one when jumping) Now we are talkin' HIIT training! Whoop!
Want to join a community of fitness minded people where we have challenges, daily check-ins and nutrition/healthy eating habit ideas? Join our facebook group here: facebook.com/groups/4pathsfitness .
Chalee Nyenhuis
Clinic Director