Most people decide to start lifting weights due to commonly talked about benefits such as building muscle, losing weight and feeling more confident. However, there are many other benefits to strength training that aren’t highlighted enough in the fitness industry.
Let’s go through 3 less talked-about benefits of weightlifting that should help motivate you to step out of the comforts of your warm, cosy bed and into the gym.
- Develop a positive feedback loop of habits
With increased mood and energy levels from the gym, you will be more likely to take control of your day focusing on eating the right foods and making healthy choices.
This means it is easier to get a good night’s sleep which will give you more energy the next day, hopefully resulting in a more efficient workout.
This will only amplify the benefits of weightlifting helping you to develop a positive feedback loop of habits in your day-to-day life.
- Increased mental fortitude and focus
When lifting weights you are putting yourself through voluntary pain in order to achieve a positive outcome for yourself.
Also, when targeting specific muscles in the gym you will build a mind-to-muscle connection.
This takes a high level of discipline and focus which will only overflow into other areas of your life.
- Decreased risk of disease and injury
Large compound movements such as squats and deadlifts put pressure on your bones (forcing an increase in bone density over time) and help you to build muscle.
By increasing bone density and muscle mass you are less likely to suffer from osteoporosis (weak bones) and sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) in older age.