Remember when you were a little kid and claimed that your dog ate your homework, when really you just didn’t get around to writing your book report? While most of us are past blaming the dog instead of taking responsibility for our actions, this doesn’t mean that we’re past using excuses—whether we realize it or not.
The benefits of weight training are numerous, including increased muscle strength, balance, improved bone density, increased lean muscle mass and better cardio endurance—not to mention that strong, lean muscles simply look better! So if you’ve been making excuses and opting out of weight training, read on to find out just why you really need to stop.
Excuse #1: Strength training is boring.
If you get bored easily or like activities that are a little more fast-paced and engaging, then strength training really is for you—the sky is the limit! From group classes that pair lifting weights to fun music to free weights, kettlebells, circuit training and much more the options are endless—and certainly not boring in any way
Excuse #2: I don’t want to get hurt.
Using your body in new ways and lifting weights can certainly make you more a little more prone to injury. But, if you warm up properly, lift weights using proper form, understand the difference between soreness and pain and really listen to your body, the benefits of strength training far outweigh the risks.
Excuse #3 I’m trying to lose weight, so cardio is more important.
When it comes to weight loss, a calorie burned is a calorie burned, no matter how you go about it. And the whole idea behind losing weight is cutting calories through both diet and exercise—not just cardio exercise either. In fact, many strength workouts like bootcamps, kettlebell training and circuit training can count as cardio and help you burn more calories than easy- to moderate-intensity cardio does. Strength training also adds muscle to your body, which boosts your metabolism, as muscle burns more calories per ounce than fat. It can also help to reshape and tighten your body.
Excuse #4: I’m intimidated by the gym
The gym can be a bit scary at first, but it doesn’t have to be. The staff should be more than happy to show you around the gym (we certainly are) teaching you how the different strength equipment works and just how you can best benefit from its use.
Excuse #5: I’m afraid of bulking up.
Male or female , lifting weights a few times a week will not bulk you up. In order to get “big” men have to lift very heavy weights for multiple times a week ( serious body builders spend hours a day in the gym). Women do not have enough testosterone naturally to build huge muscles unless they very carefully control their diet and spend hours and hours in the gym (and, by the way, there is nothing wrong with that if that’s what you want.) For the everyday person though, lifting weights a few times a week will definitely not bulk you up, just help you look and feel an awful lot better.
