Why You NEED To Strength Train!

Are you guilty of skipping the strength training?  Let me guess, you don't have a lot of time to dedicate to exercise, so you get your run in or hit the Elliptical machine to pound out some cardio?  Or, you don't want to "bulk up"?  Maybe you just think it's boring, not important or you just don't know what to do so you don't do it? 

No matter the excuse of not strength training, it's time to change!  Here are just some of the reasons why all adults (no matter your age) needs some type of strength training program every week!

1.  WEIGHTLOSS!  First, let's get one thing straight.  If you are trying to lose weight, you need strength training!  Yes, cardio will burn more calories, minute per minute, than strength training, however, what everyone seems to forget is the AFTERBURN!  Afterburn is the process of burning calories even long after a vigorous exercise workout.  Strength training can keep the afterburn going for a longer period of time than cardio!  This translates into more calories being burned throughout the day.  Whoop Whoop!
      Not only does the afterburn benefit weightloss, the more strength training you do, the more muscle you obtain.  Muscle burns more calories throughout the day, so the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn.  It's a win win!

2.  SLOWS AGING! Yep, it'll help you live longer!  According to research, performing strength training has shown to reverse oxidative stress and returned gene expression to "younger" level - up to 10 years younger!

3.  IT'S CARDIO TOO!  Typically, people think of cardiovascular exercise as running, biking, swimming, etc.  Anything to get that heart rate up!  But, did you know that strength training can be cardio as well?  It can!  You could be doing both at the same time. 

4.  PROTECTS BONES!  Your bones love to work!  If you do weight-bearing exercises (even body weight strength moves qualifies), you can help prevent bone loss and even build bone mass!  This research explains that placing stress on bones will help form additional calcium deposits which will then stimulate bone forming cells.

5.  BOOSTS ENERGY!  Create some opiates in the brain!  Strength training naturally kicks in the bodies ability to elevate your endorphins (the natural opiates) which will make you feel fabulous and give you energy! 

6.  FIGHTS DEPRESSION!  A natural and safe antidepressant is easily at reach.  Strength training has been shown to decrease the symptoms of depression.

7.  DISEASE PREVENTION!  Current research supports the notion that strength training increases overall physical health and supports the immune system, which in turn, builds your body's ability to prevent diseases.

8.  SLEEP AID!  Add minutes and maybe even hours to your sleep habits!  Strength training increases the quality of sleep for some!  BONUS!

No more excuses!  Add at least 2 days of strength training to your week!  Schedule it in and make time for it!  For you women out there; I've heard it before....  Unless you take hormones or really TRY to "bulk up", you're not going too.  Muscle tone is important but that doesn't mean you should become a bodybuilder!  And, if you don't know what to do or how to do it, a trainer is a great place to start!

If you are ready, contact me today!

Joy Boerboom
[email protected]
(507)532-3273

Barberry Health Center
204 West College Dr.
Marshall MN  56258

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