What are you “weighting” for? It’s time to start!!

I know, I know…you don’t want to look “bulky”. You want to look fit…but not like a bodybuilder. Let me just tell you, I don’t think when these words are spoken, that the person truly understands just HOW MUCH work it takes to be bulky like a bodybuilder. Incorporating weight training into your fitness routine is NOT going to make you look bulky. It’s NOT going to make you look like a bodybuilder. (Unless of course that’s your goal and you put in the work to achieve it) Here’s what weight training WILL do for you:

Improve your health-cardiovascular, bone, and mental health– First of all, we all want to feel better, correct? Give your cardiovascular health some help! Strength training can lower your blood pressure and can improve the way your blood vessels function…get that blood pumping! Pick up some weights! Next…bones! Who wants to be frail when they get old?? Not me! Over time, weight training can increase your bone density and help prevent bone loss. Most importantly to me in my 40s though, is the mental health improvement. Adding weight training to your life provides numerous benefits for your mental health. 

Make you stronger and build muscles– Who doesn’t want to carry ALL those grocery bags in just one trip? Also, wouldn’t you like to be able to open jars without assistance? Strength training makes you stronger! By challenging your muscles, you are forcing them to grow and become more efficient for your every day life. Making you more self-sufficient AND boosting your self-confidence!

Burns calories and reduces fat- Strength training helps build muscle mass, muscle is more active than fat…so you are still burning calories at rest even after your workout!! The more muscle mass you have the more calories you burn…even when you’re not exercising!! That’s like earning passive income for your body! You’re burning calories even when you’re not working out. That’s excellent time management in my book! All of this helps your body burn fat more efficiently! Say goodbye to that belly fat…for good!!

Reduce stress and boost your mood- Feeling stressed?? Do some weight training…take out your stress with those weights! You’ve heard of those pesky cortisol levels right?? Weight training lowers cortisol levels and can help you better manage feelings of stress and anxiety. In a bad mood from a bad day? Those endorphins you’ll release will naturally boost your mood and improve your sense of well-being.

Reduce your risk of injury– By strengthening your muscles…your balance also improves, ultimately protecting you against falls! You will have stronger stability and improved coordination. If you have any muscle imbalances, strengthening muscles helps your muscle groups work together more effectively. You will also have stronger joint stability to reduce your risk of sprains and strains. If you’re a clumsy person like I am…you might be saying goodbye to the days of clumsiness with weights in your routine!

Improve your posture– Exercises that specifically target your neck, back, shoulders, and core help counteract your slouching. And, let’s face it…your confidence will be shining, so you will WANT to stand up straighter with your head held high!

Help with your weight management– Weight training can help you to lose fat while maintaining or building muscle mass, leading you to a muscle-toned body. It helps you to maintain a healthy weight and prevents you from the dreaded “regain” of the pounds you’ve already lost…because your body will be more efficient at burning calories! I love to be efficient!

Boost your metabolism– As you build muscles, your metabolism will also increase. A boost to your metabolism helps you burn calories throughout the day even AFTER your workout! Calorie burning while resting…yes, please!!

Sleep better– Honestly, who doesn’t want restful sleep? Adding weight training to your routine can help you rest easy. There will be increased production and release of hormones that contribute to sleep. Your muscles and your body need restful sleep…why not help them out a little?! Sweet dreams!

Promotes a better quality of life– You are just simply going to feel better. When you feel better other parts of your life start to fall into place too! Not only are you going to look better, but this will give you a huge boost to your self-confidence. YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS! This will lead you to improved mental health as well. You are also going tobe lowering your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Here’s to a stronger, healthier, happier you!

Ways to incorporate weights in your everyday life:

Start with body weight-Do exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks…even while you are binge-watching your favorite show! Do squats while you brush your teeth or hold a wall sit before bed. If you have a desk job…take a little break and do some tricep dips in your chair. Take the stairs instead of the elevator when possible. 

Gradually add weights-Start with light dumbbells, resistance bands, and kettlebells. If you don’t have weights at home. Use soup cans, water bottles, or milk jugs to get you started. 

If you’re looking for a starter weight set…here’s my Amazon Associate’s link to a great set- FitVids Neoprene Dumbell Set

This set is super convenient and versatile to get you started too-Adjustable Dumbells

Add a weight vest to normal daily activities-Take a walk with your weighted vest. Start with a lighter weight and work your way heavier. Put your vest on with those bodyweight exercises, climb stairs, or hop on the elliptical with your vest, and try some burpees, mountain climbers, or jump squats. Doing chores? No worries, you can mop, do laundry, and put groceries away with that weight vest on!

Here is my Amazon Associate’s link to my Fuff weight vest. I love this one, as it’s not too bulky and very comfortable. The one that I use has weight bags that are adjustable from 11-20lbs. Fuff Weight Vest

My Instagram review of my Fuff Vest.

I also really like my Zelus Weighted Vest. Its weight is very evenly distributed, it’s comfortable and lots of cute colors. Just be sure you know what weight you want, as this one is not adjustable.

In summary, find things that you enjoy and start adding them to your day-to-day life. You are going to be so pleased with the results. You have muscle under that fat just dying to show its stuff! You’ll feel stable, stronger, and ready to take on the world! Start adding weight training to your life…what are you “weighting” for!

Philippians 4:13 (NIV) — 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.