Three important reasons for you to pick up some weights and make yourself stronger

Muscles Burn CaloriesThis week, I’m sharing three reasons for you to pick up some weights and make yourself stronger. Skinny is out and a strong looking physique is definitely the new sexy. You just have pick up a magazine to see that having some meat on your bones is a good thing. Toned and muscular women are now gracing the covers of popular magazines and even celebrities are sporting a more toned appearance.

All joking aside, the media may continue to show us what they think is an acceptable body type for 2013, but a healthy body never goes out of fashion. Have you heard of the term skinny fat? This is when someone may look skinny but has an unhealthy internal body-fat ratio that is detrimental to his or her health. I know there are also many people who may look a little larger but are a picture of health internally.

If you have read any of my previous posts you will know by now that my focus with any exercise plan is to benefit the inside of your body as a priority. The bonus is that exercise changes both your internal health and your external appearance.  Take a look at my top three reasons why you should add weight/strength training to your life.  Making time to lift a weight correctly will help you gain a little muscle and positively impact your health.

Three reasons to get stronger now:

Burn more calories

By lifting weights and becoming strong you’ll be changing every aspect of your body. People with increased muscle-mass burn more calories at rest than those without. It takes more energy for your body to sustain lean muscle and, therefore, your resting metabolic rate may increase as a result of lifting weights.

Improved bone density

Weight-bearing exercise is very beneficial for bone health in people of all ages. The aging process is linked to a decrease in bone density and a greater risk of fractures.  And, this New York Times article shows that lifting weights can increase your bone density by as much as 2-8% per year, so consider how you can add weights to your workout because your bones rely on resistance training to stay healthy and strong.

Improved performance

If your body gets used to lifting weights, imagine how much easier just lifting your own body weight will be! Improved strength means that your daily activities will become easier and, if you are training for a sport, an increase in muscular strength can drastically improve your performance.

Strength Training:

Becoming stronger has so many benefits and you don’t need to be worried about starting to look like an out-of-proportion body builder,. Trust me when I say that unless you are dedicating hundreds of hours to lifting serious weights, and following a very specific body-building nutrition plan, the chances of you getting bulky are slim. Adding weight-training to your routine two to three times a week and eating a protein-rich diet will have you well on your way toward achieving a healthy physique.

Don’t be afraid of lifting heavy weights but do make sure that you start out with manageable lighter weights, so that you can focus on technique for 12-15 reps and slowly work your way up to heavier weights. As you increase the weight you are using, decrease to 8-10 reps. Your body will start adapting to weight training right away, so get started today.

I hope I have convinced you to get strong and add some weight training to your life, and, if my health reasons aren’t enough to convince you to start reaching for that dumbbell… let fashion be your guide!

Written by Samantha Clayton. Samantha is a paid consultant for Herbalife.

Fitness Tips While Travelling

Herbalife fitness expert, Samantha Clayton shares her advice on balancing exercise with frequent travel. If you travel for work or are simply on the go all the time, planning is key to ensure exercise remains a part of your daily routine. Take nutritious snacks with you on the go to avoid munching on unhealthy foods. Choose a hotel that has a fitness center. Take a quick jog or do some simple stretches in your room. Use resistance bands they are light, compact and easy to take with you.  You can always take a walk and sightsee when you’re in a new place. These fitness tips will help you stay active and healthy during your travels.

Dr Luigi Gratton Introduces Samantha Clayton

Samantha Clayton is an Olympic athlete, personal trainer, fitness model, track coach, TV spokesperson, wife and mother.  Samantha brings a wealth of expertise with her as sh’es training with world class coaches and she’s a busy mom to four small children so she understands the pressures of day-today-life.

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