5 reasons why weightlifting is still a trend

We love to lift! And here’s 5 reasons why weightlifting is still a trend.

There always seems to be something new trending within the fitness world. Lifting weights is a trend that has become increasingly popular over the years, and it looks like it’s here to stay. Get ready to kick start your fitness regime with our 5 reasons why weightlifting is still a trend.

Burns fat quickly

Here’s a newsflash for you: lifting weights can actually help you build lean muscle, speed up your metabolism and lose excess body fat. Cardio is great for your heart and circulatory system, but who wants to be stuck on a treadmill for ages when you could be working out in half the time and burning more calories by lifting weights?

Louisa Drake, creator of The Louisa Drake Method, explains: ‘lifting heavier weights will increase the overall fat burning effects, but the key is to start light, maintain good form throughout and progress to heavier weights to challenge your sessions. Try a combination of pure weight training, then weight training paired with some cardio, as this will help you burn twice as much fat than if you were to only perform cardio.’

Relieves stress

Going to the gym and lifting heavy may sound like the last thing you want to do when you’re feeling tired and stressed, however, strength training can help relieve tension thanks to its amazing ability to elevate endorphin production. While lifting, your muscles expand and tear, which produces chemicals in the brain to give a mood boost and improvement of self-esteem. ‘The emotional and physical release we get after expending this kind of energy is scientifically proven to cause a massive hormonal high for de-stressing benefits long after your workout,’ explains Louisa.

Build stronger bones

Contracting your muscles through a range of motion using weights not only improves your physique but also bone density and muscle mass. ‘As we age our bone mass decreases, so including at least two resistance training sessions a week is recommended,’ explains Louisa.

Louisa shares some of her favourite exercises to try: ‘lunges target numerous muscles in the lower body and strengthen the legs and structures in the ankle, knee and hip. It’s also a great test of balance and stability,’ she says. ‘While performing weight-bearing exercises like push-ups will strengthen your wrists, forearms, elbows, upper arms and shoulders,’ she continues. ‘Try adding some high energy short bursts of dance cardio, running, skipping or jumping movements. High impact movements will jolt the skeleton but this will stimulate the bone strengthening process in the body,’ she says.

Improve your balance and stability

Did you know that by lifting weights your muscles become stronger. This means your balance develops into a sturdier proportion, which enhances your posture. Having a strong core and sense of balance is really important when it comes to achieving ultimate performance. Louisa advises: ‘practice Pilates, try barre classes and fusion-fitness style methods (like The Louisa Method), which uses barre-inspired movement with a mix of resistance, bands and weights.’

Become stronger and fitter

‘Strong vs Skinny’ is a hot topic that has been constantly thrown around in

the fitness industry and on social media. Louisa assures: ‘being strong and fit will do wonders for your health, confidence and energy. I think there needs to be a shift in focus. My advice is to build muscle and don’t obsess over counting calories. A stronger body is a leaner, fitter, metabolism-boosting machine.’ She also states that it’s important to: ‘nourish your body with good, nutrient-dense food, so you’ll feel energised and happier with the proper fuel to work out well.’

If that wasn’t enough to motivate you to pick up some weights, then check out these gorgeous training gloves from LIVE! Clothing. The perfect accessory to becoming stronger!