1) Strength Training is the Most Effective Exercise for Fat Loss
So what’s the best way to lose fat? Well, you have to focus on nutrition. Without good eating habits, you’re going to find fat loss is an all-but-impossible process. But when it comes to exercise for fat loss, strength training is king. Unlike cardio, your body continues to burn extra calories for up to 48 hours after a strength training session. That means if you’re lifting 3 days per week, your body is almost always burning extra calories. You’re literally burning extra fat while you sleep! All from a 45 minute training session.
2) Strength Training is the Best Form of Exercise For Toning Up
We don’t just want fat loss. We want to look lean. We want muscle definition. We want to look toned! And the best way to do that is strength training. Cardio can be a good supplement to a solid strength training and nutrition plan, but cardio alone is just going to make you a smaller version of your current body. In fact, I frequently work with women who have lost weight through cardio and nutrition alone before starting our program. And while they’re happy about their weight loss, they always complain about being “flabby” and “soft.” Fortunately, they start to describe their body as becoming more “defined” and “toned” once starting our program. Oh, and they end up losing more fat doing strength training than they did doing cardio! (See point #1)
3) Strength Training Won’t Make You Bulky
One of the big concerns I hear from women is not wanting to get too bulky. Unfortunately, this is a horrible misconception that’s been propagated by both men and women in the fitness industry. Magazines and articles say things like “you need to do light weight and high reps to tone your body” and “if you want long, lean muscles you should stay away from strength training.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. This myth was likely started from all the images of super muscular female bodybuilders. But here’s the thing: 1) These women have been training incredibly hard for years and years. This doesn’t happen by accident and 2) The majority of these pictures you see are of women who take steroids. If you’re only lifting 3 days per week for 45 minutes and not sticking needles in your body, you have no chance of getting bulky.
4) Strength Training is Very Safe
The second most common concern I hear from people is “Will I get hurt doing strength training” or “Isn’t strength training dangerous?” In short, no. Strength training done improperly is very dangerous. But so is brushing your teeth improperly or cooking improperly. BUT, strength training done properly is one of the safest forms of exercise. In fact, proper strength training is the best thing you can do for your joints, tendons, and ligaments. This leads to healthier joints, pain-free joints, and prevents injury! When you start a strength training program, make sure you work with a trainer who is obsessed with using perfect form. Don’t settle for anything less. It’s worth the investment.
5) Strength Training is Fun
Strength Training is a ton of fun, and who doesn’t love to have fun? You may also be surprised how accommodating it can be for you - no matter your fitness level. If you hate your exercise program, you can forget any chance of having long-term success. If you want to create a new lifestyle, you’ve got to love what you’re doing. Getting together with people just like you, picking up heavy stuff, getting stronger over time, and encouraging each other while you do it is priceless. You can’t beat the combo of crazy trainers, the Steel Strength family, and squats.
Nate Johnson, Owner and Head Trainer at Steel Strength Training in Lakeview. He has a Kinesiology degree from UAB. When he’s not at the gym, he’s drinking coffee or spending time with his wife and 7 month old son. He can be reached at 205-705-9591 and nate@steelstrengthtraining.com
At Steel Strength Training, we give you the tools you need to transform your body, health, and lifestyle with less than 3 hours per week in the gym. Text me today at 205-705-9591.
