14 reasons to train with weights

Javier Colomer 6 min. of reading Fitness Leave a comment

Weight training offers great health benefits, helping to burn fat, reduce stress, and prevent certain diseases

But there are still many people who are undecided and don’t include enough anaerobic exercises in their workout routine.

Here we bring you 14 benefits of lifting weights:

You’re going to improve your body composition

If you’re one of those who think cardio is the key to burning fat, you should know it’s not the best option. The strength training is the core to base your goal of improving your aesthetics.

How to Lose Fat and Keep Muscle?

Your clothes will fit better

Did you know muscle takes up less space than fat? Another benefit of lifting weights will show in your visual appearance and how you rock your favorite outfits. It’s very likely that even if the number on the scale doesn’t change much, those pants you could barely button up might now even need a belt…

You’re going to burn more calories

A weight session doesn’t burn a ton of calories right away. However, what’s more important to know is that the calorie consumption your body does after training is quite significant. So, the metabolic stress and mechanical tension during the session will mean a cost your body will have to cover.

To burn more fat, cardio or weights?

Your diet will improve

If you get hooked on the fitness lifestyle, sooner or later you’ll look for everything related to boosting your gym efforts. You’ll soon discover the close link between training and nutrition (or if you prefer, “diet”).

Motivation for Diet

You’ll handle stress better

Breaking a sweat at the gym helps reduce stress. It’s your moment. It’s just you and the weights. You can “unload” all those worries or situations that have kept you tense. Release that stress!

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You’ll be happier

Only those of us who love weight training know the feeling every time we hit the “temple.” Following the previous point, you’ll be able to channel your mixed feelings (anger, frustration, fear…) in just one lifting session. This will positively affect your mood and overall sense of well-being.

Sport as the best therapy to improve mood

You’ll build stronger bones

As we age, bone mass decreases and weakens, increasing the chance of fractures. Weight training can increase bone mineral density, as well as strengthen connective tissue and tendons.

Training is one of the most important factors to reduce osteopenia, but, did you know we can also intervene with nutrition and supplementation?

You’ll reduce muscle loss

Unfortunately, this is another symptom that comes with age. Weight training can reverse this loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), as long as you get professional guidance and follow an optimized plan.

Getting older doesn’t mean disability!

You’ll get in shape faster

“Doing cardio” shouldn’t just mean aerobic exercise. Weight training raises heart rate with more beats than doing aerobics at 70% of max heart rate. This approach, besides strengthening muscles, offers cardiovascular benefits and saves time without sacrificing results.

Your heart will be healthier

You don’t need long aerobic sessions to strengthen the heart muscle. Weight training can lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of stroke or any heart-related problems.

Differences between a trained and sedentary heart

You’ll improve your posture

Certain exercises can help correct your posture and also address any muscular dysfunction. This will hugely impact not only your aesthetics but also your quality of life.

You’ll work more productively

Lifting weights can lead to a raise (or at least a pat on the back from your boss). Workers tend to be more productive on days they train… So, in theory, you can finish your tasks faster. Plus, you’ll feel happier with your job.

You’ll feel better

Weight training, and sport in general, boosts mood, partly thanks to the release of endorphins. This can also make you feel more energetic during the day, even with a “rush of euphoria.”

Endorphins stimulate pleasure centers in our brain

You’ll be stronger

Although it seems obvious, it’s worth mentioning. An immediate response from your body to training with weights is that you’ll increase your strength and muscular endurance. No need to say what that means for any part of life.

If you want to dive deeper into strength training, you can read our guide

Still want to know more benefits of lifting weights?