Beyond Weight Loss: The Benefits Of Strength Training

When most people think of exercising to lose weight, the first thing that comes to mind is a good cardio workout. While it’s true that aerobic exercise is a great way to burn off excess calories, you should also consider adding strength training to your fitness routine if you want to lose weight. In addition to helping with weight loss efforts, working out with free weights or resistance tubes can also:

• Boost your metabolism: Not only will you burn calories while you’re lifting weights, but you’ll also build muscle mass that helps you burn more calories even when you’re at rest.
• Build strong bones: It’s not just milk that helps prevent osteoporosis. Strength training helps strengthen your bones as well as your muscles.
• Improve your posture: You may not be able to balance a book on your head, but having strong muscles will make it easier to maintain proper posture.
• Prevent aches and pains: If you suffer from chronic stiffness or soreness, especially in your lower back, strengthening your core muscles can help alleviate some of your pain. The better your muscles are able to support your weight, the less likely you are to suffer from aches and pains caused by imbalance.

You don’t need to invest in a gym membership or expensive home equipment to lose weight with strength training. Resistance tubes are fairly inexpensive, and you can also practice with heavy household items like milk jugs or canned foods. Even your own body weight can serve as weight for resistance training.