Reasons to NOT Workout (and why they're wrong)

There are many reasons why people choose to not workout and it seems as if those reasons multiply when you talk about strength training. Strength training often gets a bad reputation, even though it is SO beneficial to your health! 

Benefits of Strength Training 

• Helps you lose weight! Strength training burns calories looong after you complete your workout. This helps you to lose more weight then just a normal cardio workout.
• Strengthens your bones- As people age, the bone density diminishes and bones get weaker. Strength training helps combat this and slow the bone density loss. 
• Helps you sleep better- Working out makes you tired, this will make you ready for bed every night! Going to bed with a body that has been worked, will make your sleep even better! 
• Makes you feel more confident- Strength training builds muscle. When you build muscle, body fat is burned. When you lose  body fat, you will not only look more fit, but you will be able to lift more and be STRONG (not bulky)!

Common Excuses (and why they're wrong)

• "I don't want to get bulky"- This is often a common misunderstanding when you here 'strength training.' People think of the HUGE body builders that they see on the magazines at the grocery store. That is NOT normal. Those people are on VERY strict diets and workout regimens in order for them to look like that. Doing strength training for 20 minutes five times weekly will NOT make you look like that. Your muscles will be more toned and you will be slimmer.
• "I don't have any equipment"- If you don't have any equipment and don't want to head to the gym, that is totally okay! There are many strength training exercises that can be done without ANY equipment! You can also do exercises with homemade weights- a gallon of milk, a can of green beans, your dog, or even your child! (Be sure not to drop those last two) Here are some ideas:
• air squats
• lunges
• push ups
• triceps dips
• tricep push ups
• burpees (everyone's favorite)
• crunches
• wall sit
• Click here for even more ideas

If you aren't sure how to do one of the exercises above, Youtube them and there are great videos on how to do those properly. 

With all of the above being said, make sure that you are having fun with your strength training! Put on your favorite music and get in the zone, find a friend to work out with and push each other, take a class that you love, try something new. Make sure you aren't dreading the workout everyday. Find something you love and working out will be much easier to fit into your day.