5 Reasons Why We Want To Get You Lifting In The Gym

As a trainer one of my favourite parts of the job is helping people get comfortable in the gym. I have seen first-hand the changes in mood and confidence a good gym session can bring. Maybe you have lifted weights in the past and are looking to get back into it, or maybe you stuck to classes because you were unsure where to start with weights. Either way I want you to be aware of the benefits.

Here are our top 5 reasons for lifting weights.

1. Improved Fat Loss - When you lift weights you build muscle. Muscle has a daily metabolic rate that is about three times the amount of fat. It helps to boost the metabolism allowing you to burn calories more effectively at rest, assisting with lowering body fat, and improving weight loss.

2. Gaining Strength Without Bulking Up - "I don't want to get big!" Have no fear… it takes intent and a stringent diet and strength programme for women to bulk up. Testosterone is a big factor in bulking up. It increases neurotransmitters which encourages tissue growth and increased levels of growth hormone. Some women will have around 10% of the amount of testosterone that a man will have. Which is why a woman will develop muscle tone and definition where a man would bulk up.

3. Reduces the Risk of Injury - One of the benefits of lifting weights is an increase in bone density. Increasing bone density reduces the risk of fractures and broken bones. Weight training also builds stronger connective tissue which also increases joint stability. Increased joint stability can help with correcting posture and lead to a stronger core and better balance.

4. Reduces Stress and Anxiety - Lifting weights releases endorphins, which are neurotransmitters, that prevent pain, improve mood and fight depression. It stimulates the mind, improving alertness and giving energy a boost. Being less stressed and anxious will also aid in a more restful night’s sleep, and who doesn't like making the most of their sleep!

5. Body Awareness - Being able to engage the right muscles in the right order is so important for moving in a way that is efficient and safe in daily tasks. Something as simple as getting out of a car. You need to sit up, rotate the torso and bring your legs out of the car turning on the hamstrings, then the glutes and finally standing up. Doing exercises like weighted squats and lunges with torso twists teaches you how to recruit muscles properly so when it comes to daily movements there is less risk of injury.

Those are only 5 of the benefits of lifting weights and there are many more that could have been added to the list.

Here at Kate Campbell Fitness we want to give you the confidence to walk into any exercise session whether it be the gym, the studio, personal training or an outdoor bootcamp.

Hopefully this has made you open to trying weights if you never have done so in the past.

Happy Lifting!

Shannon Schneider, Kate Campbell Fitness Team