Why Should I Lift Weights?

One of my favorite questions to answer!

Lifting weights is a fantastic way to build muscle, but don’t worry—it won’t make you “bulky” unless, of course, that’s your specific goal (and achieving that requires a lot of time and a carefully tailored plan). For most of us, the focus is on losing weight or improving overall health, and the great news is that these goals are much easier to achieve through weightlifting!

If you're aiming for weight loss, especially fat loss, strength training is definitely your best bet. The more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate (RMR) will be. RMR is just a fancy term for the number of calories your body needs to handle basic functions like breathing and circulation while you're chilling out. Plus, muscle burns more calories than fat does. So, the more muscle you build, the more calories you'll burn—even when you're just relaxing! This helps with fat loss and improves your overall body composition. Who wouldn't want to burn more calories while doing absolutely nothing?!

Lifting weights isn’t just about improving body composition—it’s also a great way to boost your overall health. As your body composition improves, your risk of chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes decreases. Plus, weightlifting makes you stronger, helping you tackle day-to-day activities with more ease.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Weight training can enhance your balance, mobility, and coordination, reducing your risk of injury during daily tasks or while enjoying activities like hiking or playing with your kids or pets. Additionally, resistance training strengthens your bones, increasing bone density and making them less prone to fractures. So, by lifting weights, you’re not just building muscle—you’re building a healthier, more resilient body!