There are two types of weight training, using actual weights like dumbbells and barbells or you can use your own body-weight and gravity. There are some differences in the overall workout between the two types that we will talk about in a following post. However, there are a lot of similarities too. In this post we're going to talk about the benefits of any weight training, regardless of its body-weight training or regular weight training.
1. You get physically stronger
This one is probably the most obvious benefit. The more you work out, the stronger your muscles become. Both types of weight training will help with becoming physically stronger. However, of the two types, regular weight training is your best bet as you aren't limited by the weight of your body and can build up to much higher weights depending on the muscles. Either way, being physically stronger allows you to handle most heavy challenges you come across, from taking the groceries in to lifting stuff while moving.
2. Increase your metabolism
This benefit might sound obvious, but the more you increase your weight training, the harder your muscles have to work. As your muscles work harder, they are going to need more nutrients to power that work as well as more nutrients to develop and adapt to the increased workload. Studies suggest that your metabolism is increased for 72 hours after a training session (Source). The more pressures or forces applied to a bone, or a muscle, the more it develops to handle those pressures.
3. Improve you heart health
When you workout, your muscles tire because they use up the energy they produce waste product. To counteract this, the heart starts pumping more blood to the muscles getting the workout. This means the heart pumps faster and harder, so regardless of what muscles you're working out, the heart gets a workout as well. However, that's not all, studies have shown that weight training alone is enough to reduce LDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure.
4. Boost your mood-improving hormones
A huge benefit of weight training is that it promotes the release of endorphins, which can greatly affect your mood. This means that weight training can have an effect on some instances of depression and anxiety (Source). This can have a significant effect on self confidence as well.
5. Improve your quality of sleep
A study from 2005 showed that participants experienced a 38% increase in the quality of their sleep. This is a massive increase, which is helpful since your muscles will do the most of their recovery while you are sleeping.
There are numerous other positive effects of weight training, but these are some of the most helpful. These effects come from both body-weight training and regular weight training with dumbbells. We will look into specific differences between body weight training and regular weight training in a subsequent article.