When it comes to overall fitness, there are countless options available to us. It could be a sport, it might be a group class or a training session streamed right into your living room. It’s never been easier to workout and yet the myriad of options can result in a paralysis of choice—that familiar paradox when a multitude of options actually makes it more difficult to choose. Of course, one thing is clear: The beginning of a new year is the perfect time for a fresh start. To take stock in your health and decide to make a change. And whether your goal is to build muscle mass or achieve a fitter, more toned body, lifting weights will help you get there. And it will do it by improving your life in a whole lot of other ways, too.
I was a skinny kid growing up. Puberty introduced a chubby, “husky” adolescence that eventually slid into an early adult laziness that kept me softer than I wanted to be. But try as I might, it was difficult to shed my doughy middle. And my under-utilized arms never helped much when I attempted push-ups. Cleaning up my diet helped me lose weight, but my body shape remained unchanged. That is, until I discovered that the weight rack and dumbbells aren’t just for the jacked guys in the cut-off tees. They’re for all of us. And they’re the key to getting stronger and truly changing your body for the better.
Strength training—also known as lifting, weight training or resistance training—is what builds lean, functional muscles. It strengthens your bones and joints, and can help keep your metabolism firing at peak performance. Which means you’ll be able burn more calories even when you’re resting. What’s more, this isn’t just a young person’s game. I got serious about weight training in my late 30s and discovered that as we age, lifting can help fight the loss of muscle mass and mobility, as well as improve psychological well-being and endurance while preventing future injuries.
I’m a better man now that I’ve worked weight training into my day-to-day routine. I’m healthier, happier and more confident. If you’re looking for a sustainable fitness solution but have avoided the “bro zone” of weights at your local gym, here are a few reasons why you should consider picking up some dumbbells.