WHy Strength Training is CRUCIAL for everyday life

Lifting weights is often associated with bodybuilding, athletes, or gym enthusiasts, but the truth is that strength training can benefit everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Whether you're picking up groceries, climbing stairs, or playing with your kids, lifting can make everyday tasks easier and safer. We are big believers of this at Westside Personal Training and here’s why integrating lifting into your routine is essential for long-term health, mobility, and quality of life.

1. Overall Strength and Endurance

Lifting weights increases muscle strength, and the more strength you have, the easier it is to perform daily tasks. From carrying heavy boxes to opening a lid on a jar, being stronger means you're less likely to get injured doing everyday activities. As you build muscle through lifting, you also increase your endurance, which helps you keep up with your busy lifestyle. If you are an attendee of our small group classes, you know I like to add in cardio at the end of our workouts for this exact reason.

Imagine lifting a suitcase at the airport or carrying your kid up the stairs without straining your back. Strong muscles make these tasks feel effortless. You don’t know how many times I have heard that this task is easier from a client and it makes my heart happy!

2. Posture and Balance

Good posture is essential for maintaining a healthy spine and avoiding pain. Lifting weights strengthens your core, back, and shoulders, improving your posture and balance. As we age, balance becomes more important in preventing falls, and regular strength training can help with this by increasing stability. It makes walking with your grandkids or chasing them around the house that much easier!!

3. My last point, and probably the most important: Bone Health

Weight-bearing exercises like lifting help stimulate bone growth and increase bone density, which is crucial in preventing osteoporosis. As we age, our bones naturally lose density, but lifting can slow down this process and even reverse some bone loss. Strong bones are critical for maintaining mobility and preventing fractures as you get older. Lifting weights as a young adult can help protect your bones in your later years, so you can continue to stay active and avoid fractures or breaks in your senior years. Even being able to do a bodyweight squat to your chair helps so much!

There are so many more points I can make for a consistent weight lifting routine, but I will leave that for another time. If I haven't convinced you yet, I hope I do soon!