Gain Strength, Lose Weight!

Many of us are looking for that weight loss hack – that trick that could help us lose weight and get into shape faster. What if I told you that you can reduce body fat, increase lean muscle mass and burn calories more efficiently – by using strength training? I’m Wendy Corr, and in today’s wellness tip, I’ll tell you why strength training isn’t just for bodybuilders anymore!
Strength training is a key component of overall health and fitness for everyone. It can help you develop strong bones, increase your metabolism, improve your ability to do everyday activities, contribute to better balance, and provide many other benefits!
By lifting weights, I don’t mean big, heavy weights that can bulk you up and give you beefy biceps and bulging pecs. Modern exercise science shows that working with weights—whether that weight is a light dumbbell or your own body—may be the best exercise for lifelong physical function and fitness.
Strength training can reduce the signs and symptoms of many chronic conditions, such as arthritis, back pain, obesity, heart disease, depression and diabetes. And some research suggests that regular strength training and aerobic exercise may help improve thinking and learning skills for older adults.
More research links resistance training with improved insulin sensitivity among people with diabetes and prediabetes. During a bout of resistance training, your muscles are rapidly using glucose, and this continues even after you’ve finished exercising.
Strength training also seems to reduce inflammation, a major risk factor for heart disease and other conditions. And more research has linked strength training to improved focus and cognitive function, less anxiety and greater well-being.
And while it used to be thought that you needed to lift heavy loads in order to build muscle and achieve a lot of these benefits, some of the latest and most surprising research promotes lifting very small weights.
In a nutshell, when strength training is added to our exercise routine, almost every health outcome improves.
Thanks for tuning in to Wellness with Wendy! I’m a certified holistic nutritionist, a mom, an entertainer and a radio personality – so finding balance is the key to my life. I love sharing tips and tricks to help you live your best life – so for more health and wellness news and advice, follow my blog on mybighornbasin.com. See you again next time for Wellness with Wendy!