Weight training has been a huge part of our lives since ancient times when people would train to survive. Now the purpose of training has changed drastically, and so has the method of training. As a beginner, it can be quite daunting as the prospect of injury can be great, as well as looking like you have no clue what you are doing in the gym which is why many opt to hire a personal trainer, but getting started sooner is always going to be more beneficial to you than not starting at all. Here are 4 reasons why you should get started today.
1. Improve cognitive function and help improve your mental wellbeing
We all know that in today’s society, people are facing tougher and tougher mental lifestyles as work and social stress can cause a lot of unrest in your mind. It seems like everyone these days is overworking themselves in the office and envying other people’s lives on social media; they often forget that they should be looking after themselves. It’s been scientifically proven that training, especially weight training, can help improve the cognitive function of your brain as well as help with reducing stress. A lot of people start out in the gym chasing a body shape but end up falling in love with it because they feel like training is a time that they can rest their mind and de-stress a day of work in an hour of moving weights. Not only that, but you’ll be quicker on your feet dealing with tough scenarios as well as being able to take information faster.
2. Improve bone density and health
As we all know, there’s no escaping the slow grind of time, but at the very least, you can slow down the ageing process of your body and strengthen your bones. Studies have shown that people who train are less likely to break or fracture a bone if they consistently weight train during the week. The pressure and force of heavier and heavier weights force your body and bones to adapt, and just like your muscles, your bones and joints will be stronger, allowing you to be more spritely and less likely to injure yourself when you are out there doing what you want to do.
3. Improve cardiovascular health
You’ve probably heard that heart disease is one of the biggest statics when it comes to the mortality rate. And it’s no wonder as fast food is becoming more popular and unhealthier food is so readily available and abundant. Back then, fatty food wasn’t as easy to get and exercise was required a lot more often, but we live in an age of convenience. Since our lifestyle has changed to be more and more lazy cardiovascular disease is on the rise. No, you don’t have to be running marathons to reduce the chances of heart attacks, as any training that increases heart rate will help you improve your health drastically. So if you hate running, then weight training would be the perfect reason for you to get started now.
4. Boost metabolic rate and strength
There’s always one friend who trains and swears by the fact that they can eat anything they want because they train so hard. Well, there is some truth to that. Of course, it’s recommended you eat everything in moderation, some are healthier than others and vice versa. But increasing your strength, which in turn increases muscle mass, which, in turn, increases your base metabolic rate, will allow you to burn fat at a much faster rate than others. So while, in short, no, you won’t be able to eat anything you want, but it does allow you to have the odd cheat meal or your favourite snack more often without having to feel guilty or unhealthy while still maintaining a healthy weight and body shape.
So now that you know the four major reasons why weight training is so important for the high functioning and longevity of your life, it’s time to get out there and get started. If you really feel like it’s a daunting task to start, try finding a personal trainer, they can help you train at the gym or train at home. They never judge anyone that just started, and they have nothing but love and respect for beginners eager to learn and better themselves.
