I’ve recently shared about the NSVs that I’ve been having. Honestly, it feels like they have been happening every week which has been great for morale and a reminder of the importance of consistency. One of the reasons why I have seen results is because of the weighted workouts that I do 6 days a week. Incorporating weights into my routine has made me feel so strong. Even before I was seeing these NSVs. Within 6 months of starting to lift, I was squatting 100lbs. That’s an entire person, as one of my friends told me. So, if you want to get stronger, here are a few reasons why you should incorporate weights into your fitness routine.
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PHOTOS BY: DORESE JENAE PORTRAITS
4 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BE INCORPORATING WEIGHTS
STRENGTHENS BONES AND JOINTS
One of the many reasons I’ve been so intentional about always incorporating weights into my routine, especially when I turned 35, is because my doctor likes to provide information on what I can do to stay healthy as I age. As women age, we lose muscle mass and so, incorporating weights will help reduce or event prevent this loss of muscles. As we all age, our bones begin to weaken. Building a routine now that incorporates weights will help maintain healthy bones and joints and slow down the natural weakening process. But don’t trust my word for it. There are many studies (here, here, and here) that have found that incorporating weights as we age will strengthen bones.
REDUCE INJURY RISKS
I’m injury-prone because I am super clumsy. But I find that my clumsiness is curbed the more I lift. That’s because muscles are important to your movement, balance, and coordination in your body. Thus, weight training is important to strengthen your muscles to reduce injury risks and maintain balance. While strength building is important for your muscles, having improper form when lifting can actually increase your risk for injury. If you’re new to weight lifting, I would highly recommend working with someone that can correct your form. Or else you’ll develop bad habits.
IMPROVE HEART HEALTH
While aerobic workouts – running, cycling, swimming, etc. – are typically associated with improving heart health, there’s another workout that you can add to the list. Lifting weights! That’s right, lifting has been shown to improve heart health in the long term (here and here).
BURNS BODY FAT
And we get to the meat of the post. Strength training helps burn body fat more effectively. Actually, lifting boosts your metabolism because muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue. Essentially, the more muscle you build, the more calories you’re burning. So, why not tone up for this benefit alone?!
So, have I convinced you to add weights to your routine? If you’re still hesitant because you think you’ll bulk up, there are different types of exercises that you can do with weights that can make you leaner, just toned, or extra buff if you choose. I think lifting is for everyone and you should definitely try it because it’s quite clear that it will help improve your overall health.
TELL ME, DO YOU INCORPORATE WEIGHTS IN YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINE?
SHOP THE LOOK!
10 lbs weights || Workout Top (similar) || Leggings (similar) || Asics GT-1000 8 (newest shoe) || Yoga Mat (similar)
