Get
Hooked On Weight Training
by Garrett J. Braunreiter -
Global Health & Fitness
Success Coach
Why do some men and women, in the effort to
improve their fitness, still resist weight training? Here are some motivating
ideas for building weight-room confidence and helping you understand why this
method of exercise is so very important to your success…
1. Lift weights to lose fat: One of
the biggest mistakes people make when starting an exercise and nutrition
program is not including a weight training program with their cardiovascular
exercise and low-fat eating regimen. This is unfortunate because when we cut
calories without exercise, we can lose muscle as well as fat. And when you lose
muscle, your body becomes a lot less efficient at burning fat. However, when
you gain muscle, you can actually condition your body to burn fat more
efficiently...24 hours a day!
2. You feel strong and fit: It's a
great feeling when you look in the mirror during your workouts and see your
back muscles, biceps, shoulders, and legs flexing. If you're unsure about
proper lifting technique, hire a personal trainer for a few sessions. The money
you invest is well worth it, as is the time and energy you put towards an
effective program. And weight training can definitely increases your
confidence. It's a wonderful feeling to feel strong, especially after a
workout. You look forward to looking in the mirror, and actually like what you
see.
3. You have more energy: Even if
you're just starting out with a few basic weight training exercises, very
quickly you won't believe how fantastic you'll feel. Instead of making an
excuse to skip your workout, you'll make excuses to do just one more set. Plus,
with the excess fat you're going to lose, there will be less of you to lug
around and therefore less fatigue.
4. You’ll finally see the
results: Knowing what to do makes all the difference. Many people go to the
gym for months even years and wonder why they're not getting any results. Well,
it's because they're doing the same darn workout every time.
This is a critical point: you can either
quit out of frustration, or you can become a sponge for knowledge and get some
help. Get your hands on fitness magazines, books, the trainers at the gym, ask
other successful exercisers, or hire a coach. Learn what you need to do to make
your program successful. Acquiring the knowledge and getting help is all you
need to get hooked.
At first you may question what you're doing: are
you going to get too big, are you wasting your time, how do you know this will
work? But then you see other men and women who have been weight training for
years and they look terrific. Here's the telltale sign that your program is
working: you start to see definition and feel firmness in muscles you never
thought you had.
5. You won't get bored: I suspect
many people don't lift weights because they think it will be boring. Just
remember to change your routine every 3-4 weeks to keep things fresh and your
body responding to your training. Change the reps, the sets, the weight, the
rest period, the exercise order, etc. Training only gets boring if you allow it
to.
6. You have everyday, functional
strength: Weight training does wonders to help you with activities of daily
living: Housework, yard work, moving furniture, and carrying bags of groceries
without gasping for air and pooping out within minutes. If you have a medical
condition such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis, lifting weights can be a
godsend. You can rely on weight training to keep you strong where once all your
strength was gone.
7. You have a stronger back: Juggling
a 30-pound toddler and a few bags of groceries while pulling out the stroller
can put your back in a compromising position. When you lift weights, you
strengthen your upper and lower body, which reduces strain on your back when
you're forced to lift heavy loads. Plus, don't you think it would feel really
good to walk around knowing that your back is as tight and toned as your
legs?
8. You can train at home: Have you
been putting off getting started with your weight training program because you
felt you had to belong to a gym? You can implement a very effective weight
training program no matter where you are. Invest in some dumbbells and an
adjustable bench and you're set. Get some exercise videos or books that focus
on strength training; now you can lift weights on your own anytime you
like.
9. You can get rid of pain: Do you
have limited range of motion in your joints? A bad knee? A wrenched neck? Bum
shoulder? weight training promotes strength in your joints so you have ease of
movement. That old knee problem improves enough for you to can go hiking in the
mountains for days without pain. No pain, more endurance. You can do more
outdoorsy things - and have fun while doing them!
10. You build stronger bones: Bone
responds to weight training the same way that muscles do, by becoming stronger
and denser. Building strong bones can be the best defense against osteoporosis.
You're more active, more mobile, and without lower back pain. And age doesn't
matter; you can start when you're 65 and still experience tremendous benefits
from a weight training program. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO START A WEIGHT TRAINING
PROGRAM!
This article was provide by Garrett J.
Braunreiter, CSCS, GHF's Success Coach.
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