Motivation. I’ve written about it before and, in case you can’t tell from the title of that article, I have some pretty strong feelings on the subject. Nobody can be motivated all of the time, but there is no denying that feeling motivated helps get us to the gym when we have it. It’s also one of the top 3 things that clients and friends ask me about so, regardless of how fickle it may be, I was really interested when I came across this study that researched the effects of resistance training on motivation. I love lifting weights, but can the type of exercise you do really have an effect on your motivation to hit the gym? Let’s find out.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends a minimum of 2 resistance training sessions a week. If you read that and felt some guilt that you aren’t hitting that recommendation, trust me, you’re in the majority. However, this becomes even more important the older a person is because resistance training builds muscle, strengthens bones, can relieve pain from osteoarthritis, reduces back pain, and improves mood. Who doesn’t want all that?! I get it, lifting weights can be really intimidating. The first time I stepped into a gym and walked towards the dumbbells instead of hopping on a treadmill I felt like everyone was staring at me, just waiting for me to do something wrong so they could all point and laugh. Feeling like that sucks. That feeling, thankfully, is also not permanent, and the confidence you gain from continuing to lift will benefit you in so many other aspects of life!
But I digress. Lifting weights has a ton of benefits that I could bore you with all day, but let’s get back to how resistance training can help with workout motivation. In this study, researchers found that, after a nine month period of having average, sedentary people follow a resistance training program, they were WAY more likely to plan ahead for workouts, keep following a resistance training program even a year after the study was over, and, my personal favorite part, they enjoyed working out more than they had before they started resistance training. Wow! I don’t think I know anybody that would turn down those results.
So what does this mean for you? Well, if you are already weightlifting at least twice a week, keep it up! You are doing wonders for your health and I know that your body is grateful for the help. If you haven’t been consistently getting in some resistance training each week, this is my challenge to you to start! There is no time like the present and you may just find that you enjoy hitting the gym more once you get in the swing of it.
Does the thought of going to the gym make you panic? Are you scared that if you tried to lift weights you would end up embarrassed, or worse, hurt? I am here to help! My online training programs can be done at home and provide you with all the one on one support you need to stay safe, have fun, and see results. Reach out via the contact page at the top of this site and we can talk about how I can help you reach your goals!
Sarah Zimmer Fitness 