If you are a runner, athlete, dieter or general fitness enthusiast and you are not regularly involved in some type of strength training, you are doing yourself a disservice. Until very recently, I was that guy. I could run for hours and would usually stick to a pretty healthy diet, but ask me to do a few pull ups and you’d see me looking very embarrassed. For the first year or so of my fitness adventure, I wanted to LOSE weight, not put it on. Therefore, I stayed away from the section of the gym where they kept all the heavy stuff. Now I know that was a mistake. Here are a few reasons why you should add regular strength training to your fitness plan.
Get Stronger
This is pretty self-explanatory, but it is also very true. Lift weights and you will get stronger. Maybe you won’t be able to lift a car by yourself, but you’ll certainly be able to take advantage of your strength in practical ways. Helping a friend move, lifting stuff into the attic, throwing giant kegs filled with sand over your shoulders for no reason at all are great feats of strength that will likely impress others.
Perform Better
If you are into some kind of competitive sports, then strength training will certainly give you an edge. Even for runners like myself, having a stronger core will help you maintain balance which will help you conserve energy and perform much better in races.
Look Better
Yes, muscles are attractive. Working out will build those muscles. The opposite sex will notice.
Burn More Fat
Strength training is also surprisingly effective at removing those stubborn areas of fat. Since I have been regularly utilizing a weight plan, I have noticed areas that are already looking slimmer. It was strange because I didn’t think that any of the exercises I did targeted the abdominal area directly, but when you follow a system of general core training, your entire body will feel it.
Prevent Injury
Seriously, this is the most important reason I decided to incorporate weights into my workouts. I want to be healthy and active for a long, long time and having a stronger body will help me accomplish that. Numerous studies have shown that the stronger your body is the less likely you are to experience back problems, heart problems, and a plethora of other ailments. Train for appearances, but more importantly, train for your health.
