The 5: reasons to use the weights

Martha Edwards
Filed under: Fitness, The 5

Lifting weights can be daunting for the seasoned cardio queens. Afterall, the weight section of the gym tends to be overrun with super-buff body-builder types. But weights are an essential part of a healthy fitness routine. Want some reasons? Fitsugar has a few:

• It helps you maintain functional strength, so that things like carrying groceries and vacuuming don’t fatigue your muscles.
• You’ll reduce your risk of injuries, by strengthening tendons
• It will help prevent osteoporosis later in life, because your bones actually get stronger when you lift weights
• It helps you manage your weight, not only by burning calories but by building muscle, which burns more calories than fat.
• It helps you in other sports. If you want to play ball, run or even do yoga, muscle is a key component.

What’s your reason for lifting weights?