Today, I want to talk about the importance of resistance training. Particularly, lifting weights.
It’s so extremely important
I know for me, personally, it became super important once I reached 30. Cardio was always my go-to mode of exercise. I love running and will continue to run, but I was finding myself not as happy with my body. I was thin, sure, but something about it was, well, blah to me. Did you know that as you age, you begin losing muscle mass, probably starting in your late 20s to early 30s? And it’s quite a bit each decade, thereafter. That’s why resistance training is so important, especially as you get older. It affects your ability to move around, perform different tasks, and your metabolism. What I was noticing was probably part of that, but also due to my change in exercise type—something that just kind of snuck up on me.
Cardio isn’t always king
I had always been very active, but I eventually realized that my version of active had slowly shifted away from as much resistance training and more into cardio. It was easy. Cardio, you can throw on a pair of shoes and head outside and that’s it. When I was younger, I was always very active—outside all the time, in gymnastics, softball, rhythmic gymnastics, tennis, and eventually dance. Running came later. But most of those other activities all involved some sort of resistance training, in a way, mostly by way of bodyweight training. I had tried to keep those things up and did ab work, some of the same types of leg exercises, and less arm exercises. Those were mostly push-ups. I did start incorporating some weights in my early 20s, but I did very limited exercises and had no real plan.
Changing through weightlifting
When I began studying for my CSCS, all of my younger training came flooding back to me, and I realized why I wasn’t as happy with my body. So, I began implementing what I had learned through reading and trying different things. Within a few short weeks, I was noticing firmer, rounder, curvier glutes and legs, a sculpted back and arms, and tight tummy. I had been missing these things! I also feel strong, confident, and have more energy. Now, I continue to run and use bodyweight exercises, but I’ve learned new bodyweight exercises (calisthenics is fun!) and I incorporate weights in my routine, as well. I have a good plan that works for me (instead of just kinda doing stuff with no goal), and I can help you with a plan that will work for you.
Now, I can eat a lot more (fun, eh?) without gaining weight. That’s not the goal, of course, but a nice perk. And I’m happy with my body. So, moral of the story is, both cardio and resistance training are very important to a well-rounded exercise plan. Sure, do what you love and what you will honestly continue doing, but try to add both, and I’m sure you’ll notice a difference, too.
-Ashlen