4/27/2020 6 Comments Benefits of Strength TrainingLet’s talk strength training. I know it’s becoming a more commonly known and accepted idea that strength/weight training is for everyone and has many health benefits! But… what exactly are those benefits?? Just like most things in life, it’s hard to invest in and be motivated to do something if you don’t know why. So I’m going to outline some “why’s” for you, with the intent that it will ultimately help you find YOUR why. First, I want to explain my “why” because I used to be pretty indifferent toward strength training. I didn’t want to get bulky; I didn’t really know what exercises to do; and I thought that if I didn’t sustain a certain heart rate for the entirety of my workout (like during a run), I wasn’t getting as much work in, expending as much energy, or (honestly) burning as many calories. All of those ideas were incorrect. Here’s why:
Here are some (of many) examples to show you what these movements look like in everyday life and in exercise:
Those three points debunked what my concerns were, but that’s not even all of the awesome benefits we can gain from strength training! To continue:
And finally…
Gaining physical strength and challenging myself in this way has crossed over into mental, emotional, and even spiritual strength. I believe that our bodies house our spirits and the more we strengthen and care for our physical bodies, the better our spirits can thrive! These are some of the main reasons why Total Bodi focuses on strength training. There are so many health benefits, as well as just lifestyle benefits. I can also say that there are some huge confidence benefits as well. If I had to sum it up in one word, what I hope you will gain from participating in my Total Bodi program is that you feel EMPOWERED. Empowered to challenge those misconceptions about yourself, your circumstances, and what you can and can’t do; EMPOWERED to accomplish your goals, do hard things, lift those heavy weights and get in 1 more rep; and most of all EMPOWERED to be your best self and be happy doing it! So, if you haven't already, try the Total Bodi free week trial, and see how strength training can challenge you in new ways! If you're in the program, reflect on YOUR "why" and share in the comments below! With strength training you’ve got nothing to lose, and everything to gain! Xo, Ang
6 Comments
LaRae
4/27/2020 11:07:38 am
I started weight training consistently when I was about 50. About 7 years later I had to stop due to pain from what I now know was overuse and poor posture in weights and yoga. I have missed it. Weight training did everything for me that you say it did for you. I had greater confidence, liked my body better, eliminated any incontinence, burned calories, lost weight, was happier, etc. I have spent a few years working with PT/trainers who have taught me to use my body correctly every single move. I started doing pilates and reformer and loved it, but returning to hard, strong moving has brought me back full circle to how I felt 10 years ago. My body can do hard things when I ask it to and even at 60 I can still trust it!! Thanks, Angela
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Angela Harris
4/27/2020 01:33:28 pm
Such an amazing journey, LaRae! I'm so inspired by your commitment to listening to your body, getting it strong and learning correct functional movement, and then trusting it and yourself to be able to continually challenge and improve! I want to be like you when I grow up. :)
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Kelli
4/27/2020 01:42:51 pm
Love this! You know I love my weights. One more benefit I would add is, for me anyway, when I started weight lifting 7 years ago my ability to do those hard climbs and keep a faster pace in cycling skyrocketed. Has it affected your running at all?
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Angela Harris
5/11/2020 02:26:00 pm
Okkkkay, wow. Sorry, my email notifications for this was not working I just realized, so I never saw this! But that's so true, I feel like it helps me run stronger for sure! Especially, since usually I have the jogger to push too... haha
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Suzanne
4/28/2020 12:36:06 am
Love the article! I started strength training in my late twenties and coupled with learning to run, I became the best physical version of myself. I felt amazing! I was strong and fit! I had had two children and thought I’d never feel that way. Now with four kids, I keep strength training as a lifestyle. I agree whole heartedly that it gave me self confidence. I used to be afraid to wear bathing suits, but I stopped worrying and started being proud of what my body had worked for...even if it was far from perfect.
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Angela Harris
5/11/2020 02:28:37 pm
I'm so sorry I'm just seeing your comment! My email notifications for comments wasn't working. I LOVE your comment though. Good for you creating a lifestyle of it and appreciating your body for all that it can do! I identify so much with all you have said. Thank you for sharing!
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