Weight training using added resistance has been shown to be one of the best things that people can do for their health.

If you have started your health journey and are wanting to improve your health, even more, weight training should be close to the top of your list.

Alongside sleep, nutrition, stress management, and social connections, of course!

There is tons of evidence that supports the many benefits that weight training provides to the body. 

Are you ready to learn about some of the benefits of weight training, including resources you can use to improve your health from a certified personal trainer? 

Then let’s get started!

What is Weight Training?

Weight training is a form of strength training that uses weights to build muscle. 

The weights provide resistance to the muscles making them stronger. 

Weight training uses weight machines or free weights like dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, or other weighted objects. As well as resistance bands.  

This type of exercise can be done at the gym, in a workout class, or even in the comfort of your own home! 

Having a few dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands in my house has been a game-changer and the only way I workout for the last 3 years. 

Weight Training Recommendations

According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, it is ideal to do muscle-strengthening exercises at least 2 days a week. 

It is recommended to focus on intensity (how much weight is used), frequency (how often muscle-strengthening exercises are performed), and sets and repetitions (how many times an exercise is performed).

5 Benefits of Weight Training 

There are many benefits of weight training but here are 5 benefits I wanted to highlight for you all! 

1. Improves Your Strength

Weight training helps improve your strength which can increase your athletic performance and give you the strength to do daily activities easier (like carrying groceries, lifting your kids, and more). 

2. Boosts Your Metabolism

Muscle burns more calories at rest, which means using weight training to build your muscles can increase your metabolism. 

Having more muscle in your body means you burn more calories throughout the day doing normal, everyday tasks!

3. Reduces Your Risk of Injury

Weight training helps improve balance, mobility, muscle strength, and range of motion which all can help protect against injury. 

A great example of how weight training can reduce your risk for injury is building your core strength to help prevent lower back injuries.

This is especially useful if you sit at a desk all day for your 9-5 job! 

4. Improves Mental Health

Weight training can help you build self-confidence and learn to appreciate your body and its strength. 

It can be a healthy coping strategy for dealing with stressors and challenges in your life. 

I know I always feel amazing after a good workout, even if I’ve had a bad day!

Research has shown that weight training can improve your mood and reduce anxiety too. 

5. Promotes Better Overall Health

Weight training can improve your overall health by decreasing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, and managing blood sugar levels. 

It also helps you maintain a healthy weight which can improve overall health and reduce your risk for chronic disease later on in life. 

Resources to Use for Weight Training

There are many resources that you can use for strength training! Some are free and some that you will have to pay for. 

But if you think about it, paying for resources like a personal trainer to help with weight training or paying for a gym membership is making an investment in your health.

It is up to you to sit down and decide how much you are able to invest in your health. Regardless, there are plenty of resources that can be utilized.  

This includes following some great videos for weight training from the comfort of your home. The following resources are some that I use or recommend to get started weight training at home:

• Peloton App 
• Beach Body App 
• Nordic Track iFit Trainers
• Living Sharp High-Intensity Interval Training Workout

When beginning your journey, it’s important to hire a trainer or boutique workout studio, or use an app that has credible trainers leading the workouts, vs googling a workout. Correct form in resistance training is of utmost importance to preventing injury and achieving results. 

The Takeaway

Hopefully, by now, you can see how beneficial weight training is to improving your health and wellness!

There are many different reasons to add weight training to your daily routine and now all you need to do is find your own personal reason for why it will help you improve your health!

If you are interested in working with a registered dietitian and personal trainer to create a plan that will complement your needs, schedule an appointment with me at this link.