Earlier I wrote about how I’ve lost 15 pounds since the first of the year (now 18 pounds). In addition to increasing my intake of purified water and walking 30 minutes a day/6 days a week, I added strength training to my weekly exercise routine.
I’ve known about the value of strength training and have lifted weights before, but I got personally committed a few months ago. A friend had been having trouble losing 30 pounds after giving birth. After a year of aerobic exercise with little weight loss, she hired a trainer who put her on a simple strength training regimen 3 times a week. Within a few months, the weight was gone and she is in great shape.
The principle is simple. With aerobic exercise, you’re burning calories which is great, yet you may not necessarily be building muscle. With strength training, you’re building lean muscle which will continue to burn fat calories even when not exercising.
In addition to weight management, I’ve experienced other benefits:
- greater flexibility
- greater strength, obviously
- better look (never hurts)
- less chiropractic issues
- more energy
- better sleep
- decreased blood pressure
The best part is that I not only found a regimen I could do long term, but actually enjoy! And I do my strength training as circuit training which means I get additional aerobic exercise as well. I’ll follow up with more about my routine tomorrow.
What experience have you had with adding strength training to your exercise routine?
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