Weight training. Strength training. Resistance training. Using weight in your workouts has many names, yet the benefits to immediate and long-term health are the same. Still, the fear of bulking up simply by touching a weight keeps many people (especially women) from making strength training a part of their fitness routine.
Read for some of the most popular myths about resistance training and the truth about them.
Myth: Resistance training will make you bulk up.
Truth: This is one of the biggest concerns, especially for women. But unless you’re also consuming a ton more calories, your muscles won’t bulk up. Plus, women naturally don’t have as much testosterone as the average male. That means their muscles will increase in mass at half the rate. That is even when you add a suitable bulk diet to a strength training program.
Myth: Resistance training does not have many other health benefits.
Truth: Resistance training has a ton of health benefits! It reduces abdominal, or visceral, fat, which is the type of fat linked to chronic inflammation and health concerns such as cardiovascular disease.
It also boosts metabolism, lowers blood pressure, increases bone mass, and prevents its loss, which minimizes the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis.
Myth: Cardio burns more calories than strength training, so it’s better for weight loss.
Truth: While cardio certainly has its place in keeping you fit and healthy, it’s not the only way. Adding some resistance training to your fitness routine will help you develop lean muscle mass, which in turn will burn more calories. For example, lean muscle takes up to 20 calories a day as opposed to fat, which takes only about five calories at most. A combination of weight training and cardio is the best approach if your goal is to tone up.
The time to start is now
If you haven’t been incorporating some form of strength training in your wellness program, now is a great time to start. Check out our Sculpt Series or Tone+Flow classes for strength-based workouts perfect for all levels! Happy sweating xx
