30 Benefits of Strength Training
The positive perks of a total body workout go far beyond toned muscles. Strength training powers up your metabolism, helps you get a good night’s sleep, and boosts your energy levels to tackle your to-do list—just to name a few advantages. Check out these 30 potential benefits of strength training and a total body workout.
1. Good for beginners
Strength training, especially in a circuit, is perfect for newbies because you can work at your own pace and increase intensity levels as needed.
2. Keep up with your busy days
Regular total body workouts have been shown to boost your energy levels, so you can feel renewed, invigorated, and able to tackle even the busiest of days.
3. Climb any mountain
A total body workout routine increases strength, so you can work towards achieving any stair climb, bike ride, or other dynamic activity without skipping a beat.
4. It only takes 30 minutes
Short on time? You can get a total body workout in just 30 minutes at Curves.
5. Put you in a good mood
When you strength train, those happy brain chemicals, endorphins, get released. Yay!
6. Protect your bones
Strong muscles mean strong bones and less risk for developing osteoporosis – a condition in which bones become weak and brittle.
7. Boredom-busting workouts
Switch up your regimen with hydraulic resistance machines, strength-based functional movements and cardio intervals. Curves classes range from high- to low-intensity and feature boxing, cardio, balance, and more!
8. Rev up your metabolism
According to the Mayo Clinic, strength training powers up your metabolism and can help boost your resting metabolism.
9. Feel good in anything
Including your skinny jeans. Total body workouts and strength training can raise your confidence so you can wear whatever you want.
10. Helps keep the weight off
Strength training burns calories even after you’re done exercising, and one pound of muscle can burn up to 50 calories per day while at rest.
11. Avoid falling
If you’re a little clumsy, strength training can decrease your risk of falling by as much as 40 percent.
12. Manage chronic pain
If you’re suffering from arthritis, strength training could be as effective as medication in decreasing pain.
13. Wear your favorite sleeveless outfits
Show off those toned arms in your favorite dress for an upcoming party.
14. Control type 2 diabetes
Improve glucose control with your healthy lifestyle changes and getting moving.
15. Burn more calories
Strength training burns as much as 40 percent more fat.
16. Sharpen your mind
Researchers are finding that physical activity, including strength training and total body workouts, enhance cognitive performance.
– Increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain
– Increases self-confidence, reduces anxiety and depression
– Improves verbal memory, critical reasoning and multi-tasking flexibility
17. Be flexible
Following proper technique, you can improve your flexibility and balance.
18. Feel in-tune with your body
Feeling a little sore from your total body workout? You’re getting in-step with your body, while it’s learning to work in new, stronger ways. However, be aware; if you’re in pain, you should consult with a medical professional.
19. Forget the day’s worries
A total body workout focuses you on your workout only, so don’t think about your to-do list and those demanding work emails.
20. The number on the scale is just that—a number
It is common knowledge that muscle is denser than fat. So even if the scale is not moving you could be losing inches and body fat. With strength training, the results are noticeable in the mirror, so feel empowered and forget the number on the scale.
21. Sleep like a baby
Regular exercise is proven to help you sleep better.
22. It’s heart healthy
Decrease your blood pressure with at least two strength training sessions a week, as recommended by the American Heart Association.
23. It can make you happier
Not only will your training boost your strength, it can improve your mental health by calming anxiety, raising self-esteem and controlling symptoms of depression.
24. Get more things done
You’re 15 percent more productive on days you exercise, according to researchers.
25. Stand up straight
Achieve and maintain good posture through exercising your back, shoulders and core.
26. Decrease your cancer risk
Exercise has bigger muscle in battling The Big C, with a study showing links reduced risk in a variety of cancers.
27. Maintain your menopause
Regular physical exercise has proven to help fight off hormonal weight gain, manage stress and improve mood changes during menopause.
28. Kick your cravings
Exercise strengthens your prefrontal cortex and improves your resistance to cravings for junk food.
29. It can be social
Working out can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. You can inspire each other to push harder during a sweat session, so find a workout buddy and get moving!
30. Celebrate more birthdays
Hooray! Total body workouts and strength training can help you live longer so cheers to a happier and healthier life!
Your Curves Coach is there to lead you through every gym workout. With your Curves Coach success is within reach. Visit ‘Why Curves’ to find out more about Curves women’s only gyms and our full body workout on the Curves Circuit, or find your local Curves and sign up today!
