Have you been stuck in the house for the last few months? Have you been indulging a little too much? Did you find yourself skipping that fitness routine that you vowed to stay on top of?
If you've answered yes to any of the above (and many people will have), you may have been happy to hear that gyms are reopening (depending on the area that you live).
You may be planning to ease yourself into a fitness routine and gradually ramp up the intensity of your workouts. But here, I'm going to suggest an alternative... That is to go all in and start weightlifting.
Now, you may be shuddering at the thought of lifting heavy objects in the weight section of the gym. But hear me out. There are many advantages to getting into weightlifting right now:
It's A Great Time To Be A Weightlifting Newbie
If you've considered weightlifting in the past but have been intimidated by the free weights area and the people in it, then I've got good news for you. The majority of people who you would have seen sweating on the bench press or squat rack regularly will likely not even have lifted a dumbbell during the lockdown. This means that they will be out of training, just like you. Meaning that they will be feeling similar to you when they first set foot back in the gym. There's no better time to take advantage of this if this is what has put you off weightlifting in the past.
Get Some Weightlifting Gear
If you've been at home and have had very little to spend your money on, you may have found yourself with some extra cash. Now, many people are going to book a holiday or splash out at bars and restaurants. But I suggest investing in your future fitness and getting some gym gear such as a bar pad and barbell hip thrust pad that will last you a long time. Keyword: barbell hip thrust pad. Some gym clothing, weightlifting gloves, and if you are serious about squats, some good weightlifting shoes (see them here) will go a long way in helping to enjoy your workouts and achieve your fitness goals. It’s a good idea to read reviews on power racks and squat racks before you make your purchase.
The Health Benefits
Having a good weight training routine and building muscle mass has several great health benefits. A big one of these is an increase in metabolic rate. If you have been letting yourself go while being couped up inside, weightlifting will help you to lose fat faster and keep it off. Lifting weights regularly also helps to support healthy bones, joints, the nervous system, posture and makes everyday tasks easier.
Squats, Squats, and more squats
Weightlifting can transform your physique. If you've been desiring the appearance of a stronger lower body and nicely shaped butt, you can't ignore squats. This exercise is not only good for growing the leg and glute muscles, but it helps with strength and muscle growth across the entire body. If you want to make your body shape look more appealing, this is a weightlifting exercise that you need to add to your life.
Confidence & Mental Health
The physical changes that come from strength training are motivating and often exciting. If you are trying to lose weight, eating a good diet combined with cardio and weight training will give you some very good results. A Neuropsychobioligy review published in 2013 found that high-intensity strength training helps to reduce the symptoms of depression.
Final Thoughts
You don't need to aspire to have chiseled abs or bulging biceps to take part in a weightlifting routine. By adding just a few simple exercises, you can reap many benefits. It's a great way to really attack your fitness routine from all angles to give you the best possible results quicker.
