Lift Weights!

Incorporate strength training in to your workout routines! You won't be sorry.

For all you ladies who believe lifting will cause bulk, think again, it's called definition. Women do not have the testosterone levels, like men, to be able to build extreme muscle mass. 

Furthermore, there are so many incredible benefits that come from weight training. 

1.  You burn calories while you lift but it doesn't stop there. More calories are used to make and maintain muscle than fat - that means the more lean muscle you have the more calories you burn at rest. AT REST. 

2.  Strength training can boost your metabolism by 15%.

3.  Increases HDL (aka good cholesterol) and decreases LDL (aka bad cholesterol).

4.  When you have strong muscles, tendons, and ligaments your body will be less likely to give way under stress and less likely to be injured.

5.  Strength training helps increase bone density which can help prevent back and joint pain and minimize the risk of osteoporosis.

6.  Lifting elevates your levels of endorphins which will make you feel great! Strength training has been shown to be an antidepressant, improve quality of sleep, and reduce stress and anxiety.

7.  Lowers high blood pressure.

8.  When you work your muscles through a full range of motion by lifting weights you're increasing your body's overall flexibility.

9.  Increased muscle strength will help you power through everyday tasks in a breeze. Forget breathing heavy after taking the stairs, those days are over.

10.  Strength training improves your overall quality of life! End of story.

Don't be intimidated by the weight machines or dumbbells at the gym. Be confident. Plug in your iPod and act like you own the place. Challenge yourself by upping the weight every week. Keep a fitness journal and take weekly pictures and measurements so you can see your progress. 

Go out there and do something amazing.

XOXO,

Claire