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Lifting weights is not just about getting big muscles, there are lots of health benefits to be gained.

Stronger bones & joints

Nothing makes bones stronger than lifting weights. Weight bearing puts a temporary stress on the bones, which sends a message to the bone-building cells to rebuild them. This increases bone density, which reduces the risk of fractures. Joints will be more flexible, which can reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

Better balance

As your body gets stronger, it will be better able to support itself. When we train our fast twitch muscle fibres, your reaction time will be quicker and this will reduce your risk of falling over.

More flexibility means less injury

Through strength training, the mobility of your muscles, ligaments and tendons is improved as is your range of motion. This reinforces the strength around your knees, hips and ankle joints which in turn means less injuries.

Better posture

With a stronger core and back muscles, you will stand taller. Back injuries are significantly reduced when your core is stronger.

Heart health is improved

The number of times whilst training someone, I have heard "Should I be this out of breath?" Yes! We can get cardio by lifting weights. Strength training has been shown to decrease blood pressure and improve blood circulation by strengthening the heart.

Day to day life is easier

Muscle mass declines with age. Lifting weights that challenge you will help to reverse this.

When you are stronger, daily jobs are easier. Going up and down stairs, carrying the shopping, chasing after the kids, getting up on the chair to reach something. The list goes on. Everything is easier when you are stronger.

Boosted metabolism means more calories burnt

Your metabolism gets a boost for 72 hours after strength training, but also over the longer term. Having more lean muscle means that you will burn more calories (even at rest). Cardio is great for heart health, but it is not the best way to burn fat.

Reduced risk of chronic disease

Less abdominal fat means your risk of chronic diseases is reduced — e.g., heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.

Increased confidence & elevated mood

It's one of the things I love most about being a personal trainer. Seeing the difference in mood from starting a session to finishing it. Working towards a goal, appreciating what your body is capable of, and succeeding at a task is a great self-esteem booster.

Improved cognitive function

It's believed that memory and processing speeds are improved thanks to improved blood flow and reduced inflammation.

Smaller dress size

Remember the "does muscle weigh more than fat" myth buster — muscle takes up less room than fat, so with more muscle you will look toned and, whilst you can't spot reduce, you can begin to sculpt the body that you want.

What if I've got no gym membership or gym equipment?

Sign up for some personal training with me! OR look at what you've got at home. Strength training doesn't have to be just lifting weights. Resistance bands, suspension training, or bodyweight exercises will work just as well. Whatever the equipment you have available to you, the goal is to put your muscles under tension to allow neuromuscular adaptations and stimulate muscle growth.

Weight lifting will improve your life in so many ways. Why wouldn't you do it?!!