Lifting weights is life-changing, but many resist this change. Do any of these resonate with you? What would you add and are you ready to change your mind?
1) Fear of Bulking Up
Many worry they’ll get too muscular, but strength training enhances definition without excessive bulk, especially for women, due to lower testosterone levels. And if you want to get “toned,” you have to increase muscle (Build) and decrease fat (nutrition). If you’re not getting stronger, you’re getting weaker because we naturally lose muscle as we age.
2) Fear of Injury
Heavy lifting can feel intimidating, especially if you have had a bad experience in the past. There is A LOT of crappy weight training out there, and even crappier instruction and advice, but with proper form and progression, lifting heavy strengthens joints and reduces injury risk rather than causing harm. It’s not just what you do, it’s also how you do it that matters.
3) Lack of Confidence – Lifting weights can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to the practice. That’s why we start with lighter weights or body weight so you can master the mechanics of the exercises first. Then you can slowly add on weight as you gain more confidence. Progressive overload helps you build strength slowly over time. You’ll never be rushed into or forced to do anything, and modifications are always available.
4) Preference for Other Workouts – Some prefer cardio or bodyweight training, but strength training complements all workouts by improving endurance, posture and metabolism. While it’s great to diversify your movement and participate in activities you love, hypertrophy training is the foundation you need to prevent age-related decline of bone density and muscle mass. Weighted vests, Pilates, Megareformer, yoga and running are great for overall fitness, but they do not increase muscle size by working a specific muscle to failure like Build does.
5) Belief that It’s Not Necessary – Many assume lifting heavy isn’t essential or that other types of workouts will keep them in shape. Strength training isn’t just about “use it or lose it”; you are losing muscle every day even if you are working out. Following a specific hypertrophy-focused strength-training plan will prevent you from breaking a hip, needing a joint replacement or worse, a walker or wheelchair. Strength training helps you maintain independence and strength vs. being weak and dependent, those things we associate with aging. It will also make you stronger TODAY for everything else you do in life: outdoor activities, moving furniture, carrying groceries, gardening, sitting at your desk (postural strength), helping your aging parents, keeping up with your grandkids and more!
Set aside any fears! Ready to give it a try? CLICK HEREto learn more and redeem use code BUILDMEUP100 to try Intro to Build for FREE for 30 days. No commitment, no subscription.
