To say I love lifting heavy things would be an understatement. I recently  competed in my first powerlifting competition, and loved it and can’t wait to do it again.

A power lifting competition is a test of pure maximal strength. It is all about lifting your one rep max in the squat, bench and deadlift.

Do I think everyone wants to compete in a powerlifting competition?

No!

Do I think everyone should do some part of strength training?

Yes!

Strength has so many benefits:

– Improved Cardiovascular Endurance

-Lipid Adaptions (cholesterol)

-Decreased Body Fat

-Increased metabolic efficiency (metabolism)

-Increased tissue strength

-Increase cross-sectional area of muscle fibers

-Increased bone density

-Decreased chance of osteoporosis

-Increased neuromuscular control (coordination)

– Increased strength

– Increased power

– Increased need for oxygen (calories burned)

-Increased energy

– Decreased chance of injury

As you can see there are many benefits and are all important. Strength training with proper form and proper programming can make a huge impact on yourself, inside and out.

Who doesn’t want more lean muscle mass?Building muscle burns fat and improves leanness. To achieve a lean body type, strength training has to be a major part of your training. Strength training creates an energy demand post exercise, which increases excess post training oxygen consumption (EPOC). The more oxygen being consumed the more calories burned.

When strength training EPOC can last up to 48 to 72 hours. That means you’re still burning calories up to 72 hours after your workout. 

The more the muscle you have on your body the more calories burned through out the day. The higher the muscle mass the higher your resting metabolic rate. Which is how many calories you burn through out the day, doing your normal everyday activities. Anything from your errands to sitting around to eating. 

Another benefit of strength training is slowing the aging process. Getting older is inevitable, but why not slow it down? Strength training increases neuromuscular coordination which will helps keeps you coordinated. It increases bone density. It decreases the chance of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, is when there is a decrease in bone mass and density. Staying strong keeps you young.

Strength is a very powerful tool, and can be a great confidence boost. Not only physical strength but also mental strength. The ability to persevere through an intense workout leaves you satisfied and proud. Hitting a new PR is a very exciting feeling and creates a great inner excitement. 

Strong is the new sexy!