Five Reasons to Incorporate Weight Lifting in Your Workout Routine

When it comes to working out, there is no one size fits all solution. However, experts suggest that three days of strength training per week, combined with cardio and a healthy diet, can help aid in weight loss.

1. Burn More Calories - and Keep the Weight Off for Good!

Although long stretches of cardio will burn more calories than weight lifting during the actual workout, strength training helps increase your resting metabolism - the rate at which you burn calories at rest. In fact, research shows that following a good weight lifting session, you can burn more calories for up to 36 hours!

2. Say Goodbye to Belly Fat

Although it's not possible to lose weight from just one trouble area on our bodies, a study from the University of Alabama found that women who added weight lifting to their exercise routine lost more fat around their midsection than those who simply did cardio. Plus, when you lift weights, you are able to tone and define specific areas of your body.

3. Improve Your Mood and Handle Stress Better

Some stress is unavoidable. However, studies have shown that regular exercise can help combat the negative side effects of stress. Even more, weight lifting has been linked to better brain health and decreased anxiety and tension.

4. Sleep Better

Participating in any form of exercise has been shown to help you sleep better. However, according to a study from Appalachian State University, lifting weights has been shown to help people sleep more soundly.

5. Build Stronger Bones

Strength training (as well as high impact exercise) helps in building strong, healthy bones. This is extremely important because bones are the foundation of our body, and also help form blood cells and store minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Performing these types of exercises helps increase bone formation in children, teens and young adults. For adults, it helps improve bone density and strength. All these benefits help reduce the chance of fractures and breaks.

Looking to get in shape and live a healthy, active lifestyle?

Bronson offers two health and fitness facilities - Bronson Athletic Club in Kalamazoo and Bronson Wellness Center in South Haven.