Is Strength Training Right For Me?

Do you want to effortlessly run for many hours?

Do you want to bulk up?

Do you want to lose weight?

Can women do strength training too?

Will strength training be a fun routine?

Strength training is not the best route for you. Instead, you should opt for cardio exercises that will give you endurance. That said, many athletes do get injuries because of the overuse of your muscles, so do a few exercises to strengthen them. In other words, cardio should make up the bulk of your training routine. Include strength training for about a day or two in a week to strengthen those leg muscles that you're using. You can do targeted strength training by focusing only on those exercises that target your thighs, glutes, hamstrings, and calf muscles.

Strength training is the way to go. When you repeatedly target your muscles, they break down and the body starts building them again. But while doing so, it builds bigger and stronger muscles that can handle the heavy load of strength training and this is why, over time, you get those hefty-looking muscles. A note here – every individual is different, so you may not bulk up as much as your friend or sibling, but consistent strength training will help you reach your maximum potential.

Do strength training! Though many people tend to think cardio exercises pump up your heart rate and help you lose weight faster, the truth is strength training is what will help you get there. And that's because strength training continues to work on your body long after your exercise routine ends. This means, when you do strength training, the body continues to burn calories even when you're at rest as opposed to cardio that burns calories quickly while you're doing it. So, include some cardio for variety, but if you're struggling to get those last 10 pounds off your system, strength training is your best bet.

It is an age-old myth that strength training is only for men. Advanced research over the last few decades has proved beyond doubt that strength training is highly beneficial for both men and women as it goes beyond just bulking up. Many benefits come with it such as stronger bones, higher levels of energy, better body mechanics, and more that can be highly beneficial to women, especially as they age. Regular strength training avoids problems such as osteoporosis as it maintains muscle mass and bone density. Finally, don't worry about bulking up. You'll never get those big huge muscles as your hormones don't support it!

To be honest, any exercise routine needs self-motivation. It helps if you have a buddy who is willing to do it with you. Many people find walking or running easier as many people would join in the group while strength training is mostly an individual chugging at the weights. But this doesn't always have to be the case if you find an equally interested and dedicated workout buddy who is ready to strength train for the benefits it offers.

It may not be a fun experience for everyone, but the results are sure to make you stick to it.