If you have ever seen a professional athlete's workout or some variation of strong man/woman competitions on ESPN, you'll likely be watching some of the world's most elite athletes at work as they hone their physique to abnormal levels. But take a look at someone lifting weights in your local gym and you'll see something quite different. Sure, there may be a handful of really athletic individuals at your gym, but they're lifting right next to a doctor, a student, a lawyer, a store clerk, and a retiree. That's because all of these people realize one thing: lifting weights is for everyone.
But can weight lifting really help you? Here are five reasons I truly believe the answer is a resounding yes.
First: Investigate and always remember to be safe.
If you've ever struggled with trying to figure out what to do at the gym and how to safely perform an excercise, you're not alone. If you're a beginner, you can always ask a qualified trainer or use technology to help find the right plan for you. In fact, you should never feel awkward about seeking out the assistance of a specialist at your gym or training studio. Also, technology is everywhere and often comes with great answers. I often advise people to use PumpOne.com, Stack.com, WebMD, or Daily Burn if they are looking for competent answers or qualified workouts. Of course these are no substitute for the expertise and motivation that a qualified trainer can provide, but these are extremely helpful if you decide to go it alone.
Now let's investigate the a few quick benefits of weightlifting.
#1: You Get Happy
Yes, exercise of any kind gets the happy chemicals running through your brain and your body, but lifting weights seems to have an advantage on your happy level. Why? Because any sort of full body movements against resistance like weight training, increases the intensity on your muscles and bones and releases hormones and endorphins at a greater level, both while working out and as you recover later in your day.
#2: Your Body
Lifting weights does so much for your physique. Push yourself hard enough and your body will amaze you constantly. But your physique isn't the only beneficiary of weight lifting: lifting helps your body fend off illnesses and injury by helping you shed unwanted pounds, lowering your blood pressure, improving your heart function, and more.
#3: You Eat Better
Have you been struggling to keep your daily calorie count down? Nothing helps you stay in line better than working out. Your regular weightlifting routine makes you more aware of what you put in your body, making it easier to say "No" to those temptations that are always around the corner.
#4: Your Bones Get Stronger
While the first thing you may notice after lifting weights is stronger muscles, your bones are also secretly gaining strength at the same time. Since the risk of osteoporosis and broken bones increases with age, guarding against them with weight lifting is a great way to be proactive today and to maintain a great quality of life into the future.
#5: Your Brain Function Increases
Believe it or not, most people who lift weights aren't the hulks and meatheads they're often made out to be. In fact, research has proven that lifting weights actually has the power to improve your brain's ability to increase focus, clarity, mental toughness and response times.
Reach your fitness potential faster by coupling your good diet with a challenging exercise program. I'm here to motivate, instruct and encourage you to reach your goals if you need assistance.
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About Nolan Ferraro, Owner, Salire Fitness and Wellness
Certified personal trainer and licensed wellness coach Nolan Ferraro has been recognized as the #1 Best Personal Trainer in New Orleans.
Nolan counts Chef Susan Spicer among the thousands of New Orleanians who have gotten in shape with Salire's Private Personal Training and high-impact fitness Boot camp programs like "Power in the Park", a month-long cross-training boot camp in City Park. He has also added a new high intensity interval training class, Body Blitz, at his studio.
Visit www.salirefitness.com for more information on Nolan Ferraro and Salire Fitness & Wellness.
