My 12 reasons for lifting weight

When I turned 40 I decide to start running. I wish I could say again but that would be a lie. Running 2 miles was excruciating back then. I had run in the past because it was the easiest and fastest way I could exercise. I reasoned that it was the easiest way also to lose weight or keep the weight. 

To commemorate muy turning 40 I signed up for a halh marathon. Totally crazy right! Thatt same month I ran a 5K and could barelly finish it. My stuborness carried me through the training and I did run my first half marathon that December. I have continued running since, simply because I tasted that runner's high and I liked it. 

Running is a great cardio training and I assumed that it would continue to keep me fit. Unfortunately my weight kept creeping back, not huge amount but slow and steady and running was not enough to make me lose it. The problem is that cardio is not enough when you are trying to lose weight.

Enter Beachbody. To lose weight, or maintain weight and be healthy is a three part component:

• you need to eat clean and balanced
• you need cardio
• you need to do some weight lifting

I started with the 21 day fix extreme program, which incorperated weight into the training and 22 minute hard corps makes you do cardio one day and resistance the other day. That is a balanced workout. 

Here are 12 reasons why you need to do some weight lifting (adapted from Active.com)

1. You'll lose 40 percent more fat.

2. Your clothes will fit better.

3. You'll burn more calories.
4. Your diet will improve.
5. You'll handle stress better.
6. You'll be happier.
7. You'll build stronger bones.
8. You'll get into shape faster.
9. Your heart will be healthier.
10. You'll be way more productive.
11. You'll live longer.
12. You'll be even smarter.

And I promise that you will not look like a body builder. That takes time, dedication and an array of other stuff. But I can promise you that you will be leaner.