When you think of weight loss workouts, how long does it take before you mention strength training? While cardio is undoubtedly known as the champion of calorie-burning, we should not ignore the benefits of strength training. Strength training is one of the best ways for you to unlock your inner strength, power and resilience … and those are just a few of its benefits.

Strength training: the unsung hero of workout routines

Strength training, otherwise known as resistance or weight training is one of the best ways to engage your body in a full-body workout. It involves exercising a specific muscle group by adding additional resistance with the help of weight machinery, free weights and resistance equipment.

The basic principle is that you will apply a predetermined weight load to a specific muscle group. You will then push your body to adapt to the weight and get stronger. 

It’s important to remember that in order to reap the benefits of strength training you need to realise that it’s not just about lifting weights. It is about finding your strength, and seeing how powerful your body and mind are. It may seem intimidating at first but if you move safely and effectively you will experience a number of benefits. 

What are the benefits of strength training?

1. It helps establish your body-mind communication 

Did you know that up to 20% of the calories that you burn are then directly used to power your brain?

It is easy to assume that exercise specifically targets your body, but it’s actually working your brain too. The benefits of strength training can be seen in its ability to improve the functioning of your mind. In fact, when you use heavier weights your body naturally develops a stronger connection with your brain in order to help drive your muscles! Your mind craves a challenge and ultimately gets more agile when you introduce it to a new physical challenge. 

Essentially, when your brain recognises that you are ready to push your body, it signals reserved energy to help you out. If your brain is up for strength training then your body is too – so go for it! 

2. Maintains and preserves muscles 

Contrary to popular belief, strength training doesn’t necessarily mean that you will gain muscle and bulk up. When you are in the process of burning calories you are also losing a significant amount of muscle definition, causing your bones to wither and become brittle. 

When you work out, your aim shouldn’t simply be weight loss. While shedding a few kilograms is an obvious benefit, you also want to work towards becoming stronger too. Strength training will help improve the functional performance of your bones and muscles!

3. Improves heart health 

Multiple studies show that a major benefit of strength training is its ability to improve the functioning of your heart. It has been known to lower high cholesterol levels, improve blood circulation and decrease blood pressure. 

All of this is possible because this kind of training doesn’t just strengthen your muscles and bones. It also actively strengthens your heart and blood vessels too. At Red Avo we enjoy promoting workouts that celebrate and nurture your entire body, from your muscles to vital organs, holistic care truly is the future. 

4. Increases flexibility and mobility 

Yes, you read that correctly. 

Another benefit of strength training is flexibility and mobility. This is possible because it helps increase the range of motion in your joints. It essentially has the same effects as stretching, as your muscles and joints are pulled and forced into motion. 

For the best result, try to push for full movement potential around a joint. For example, when you are squatting with weights, try to squat as far as you’re able to go without compromising your form. This will improve joint motions and your level of flexibility. 

5. Boosts your mood 

Every single person deserves to feel accomplished, confident and happy and that is a major perk of strength training. In the same way that it activates important cognitive exercises, (check out benefit number one) it helps release endorphins. This is a happy hormone that will instantly boost your mood. 

Knowing that you have achieved a great full-body workout offers you a great sense of achievement and euphoria. Strength training is a great reminder that you are exceptionally powerful and that you can achieve whatever you want and that your body (and our range) will always support you. So, put on your favourite Red Avo activewear and engage your body in its favourite pastime: a great strength training session!