Resistance training with high intensity has been growing in popularity over the past decade. People are embracing more than just the treadmill or other cardiovascular machines. They are starting to add some heavier weight lifting to their routine. There’s a good reason why– resistance training WORKS.
I’ve owned Lakeland Health + Fitness for almost three years now, and a lot of my friends have said something like this to me during that time– “J.D., I would love to do what you all do but I’m not cut out for that kind of thing”.
Not to correct any of my friends, because I love you all, but I’m sorry– you’re wrong.
We provide a supportive, friendly, uplifting atmosphere with well-trained, certified coaches who make sure that you work out hard and work out safely.
I understand the fear that surrounds intense exercise with resistance. I do. If you’ve only seen the CrossFit games or the videos your 24 year old friend posts of muscle ups, hand stand pushups, and heavy squat snatches on Instagram, you would have a very one-sided view of what resistance training should look like for you. “I could never do that,” you may say to yourself.
Okay, maybe that’s true. Maybe you’ll never do what someone 15-25 years younger than you can do after they’ve been training at an elite level for years and years. But you can do the same kinds of workouts they do, with the same stimuli, the same metabolic pathways, the same variation, and the same relative impact on and benefit for your body.
Here’s the thing– lifting heavy weights isn’t going to make you big. It isn’t going to make you bulky. It’s going to change your body for sure. You’ll be more toned, more defined. But you won’t be “big”.
Resistance training is SO incredibly important for overall health. Inactive adults experience a 3% to 8% loss of muscle mass per decade, accompanied by resting metabolic rate reduction and fat accumulation.
There are many types of resistance training. Most people do a lot of volume at lighter weights. There are benefits to this, but they are limited. The full impact of resistance training comes when muscular hypertrophy (strength training), maximum muscular strength, and explosive power are also a part of your exercise regimen. Your muscles will be forced to constantly adapt and change. This will boost your metabolism, improve body composition, improve heart health, strengthen your bones, and so much more.
So what are you waiting for? Resistance training is for anyone, including you. Let’s get it!