Dusting Off The Barbells

Supportive Husband Guy found a few things while cleaning that I thought were lost in our many moves before moving to our townhouse more than 7 years ago. For almost a decade these tools have been hiding in plain sight in our closet.

They aren't heavy weights but they are useful. Many women, myself included, neglect weight training as part of their fitness routine. They are I am intimidated by the equipment at the gym. They fear looking like a body builder. They fear injury. They believe weight training is only for macho men. I don't know the whole list of reasons why more women don't introduce weights to their training but I do know I am opting out of that group.  I plan on keeping simple weight training in my routine.

Why would I bother to introduce yet another workout to my already varied training? I'm more than a little ADD and switching things up regularly keeps me interested. Beyond my own limited attention there are real benefits.

1. Increased metabolism: More muscle burns more calories even when you body is at rest. I like to eat.  I like to try new foods.  I like to be a healthy weight. A high metabolism is beneficial.
2. Reduced injuries: Years ago I had a knee injury.  The primary focus of my rehabilitation therapy was building up the muscles surrounding the weakened area. Strengthening the muscles in trouble areas reduces the possibility of injury or re-injury in those areas.
3. Improved living: I know this one is vague but the benefits of weight training are all encompassing. One of my Thirteen for 2013 is to increase the amount of cycling I do.  That means joining Supportive Husband Guy mountain biking more often. Last time I went on short trail ride with him I was sore the next day. Not in my legs but in my arms. My arms did not have the muscles built up to maneuver the bike like I needed for going up and down hills while dodging trees and rocks. My legs were fine. They were trained for riding and had endurance and muscles built in them already. My arms, not-so-much.
4. Improved confidence: There is a sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from even the lightest weight workout.  That confidence carries over into how we feel about ourselves but also how we present ourselves to those around us. Who doesn't want to feel better about their body,  how it looks and what it can do?

I'm always interested in how others push forward to try new things and finding ways to improve my own journey. Is there room in your fitness routine for weight training? Do your workouts already include weights?

Keep chasing perfection, people. Eventually we are going to Catch Excellence.