Weight Training - Why Bother?
Some people avoid weight training because they fear they’ll become too muscular in appearance. Others simply don’t see the benefit if they’re already doing cardiovascular exercises. But the benefits of weight training go beyond simply building muscles, it also is a great way to improve overall health and can help improve cardio performance as well. It also improves your ability to perform activities of daily living too.
Check out these fun facts and give it a go…!
- Stronger core results in better posture
- 60% of people who weight train benefit from improved sleep with an average of 7 hours or more of sleep per night
- Weight training lowers bad cholesterol and blood pressure
- Increases your metabolism so you burn more calories when your body is resting
- Training improves bone density
- Adding just 2 weight training sessions a week can reduce body fat by 7%
- Weight lifting boosts dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, making it a natural antidepressant, reducing stress and is guaranteed to boost your mood.
- By the age of 80 years-old, inactive people will lose around 50% of their muscle mass. There is evidence to support that weight training can stop, prevent and reverse muscle loss
- With better muscle coordination overall body mechanics are improved
What do our ambassadors say…?
Jessie Sheriffe
To ensure I’m efficient in what I do on the pitch, I base my strength and conditioning training on muscle groups - legs, chest, back, arms etc. - but in rugby muscles need to work together to produce movement so really I train movements and just not muscles.
Craig Wright
I use weight training to cut fat, rather than killing myself with cardio. Also, I’m big into improving functional strength - my motto is ‘train for life.’
Anthony Larson
The main benefit for me is the feel good factor. Also it gives me a purpose away from my day to day activities and helps me maintain a healthy lifestyle. Bottom line is, if I don’t train, I feel like poop!
Brandon Daord
I do weight training to help increase my strength and muscle size. In particular I focus on compound movements such as squats and deadlifts as these help me condition my entire body. I also do shoulder presses and pull-ups in my program to maximise my strength in the ring.
Chloe Barrigan
It has a good effect on my mental state. Through getting stronger and changing my body, I've gained a lot of confidence and I've become a happier person through it. It's also allowed me to look further into what I'm eating and to see food as fueling my workouts rather than worrying if what I'm eating is too much or is going to make me gain weight.
Lily Curtis
There are many benefits of weight training. For me, apart from bulking up, it improves my general quality of life increasing strength and bone density, preparing my body to grow older and healthy.
Jess Lee
The main benefit is keeping fit and healthy, not just physically but mentally. If you think you look good, you’re going to feel good. It releases serotonin which improves happiness and releases stress. It builds strength and dedication and I honestly think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.