5 reasons you should prioritize strength training this summer

WRITTEN BY: Bethany Tapp, Certified personal trainer and STOTT Pilates instructor​

Let’s face it- during the summer months there are many more activities competing for your attention,  regardless of whether you prefer being active indoors or outdoors. Plus, many people tend to be the most active during this season. But if you’re participating in more activities week to week than your baseline, your body is more susceptible to break-down and wear and tear issues (injuries).

In order to keep your body strong and moving well, strength training workouts are recommended to keep your bones and muscles strong. Now there are, of course, many options for strength training; whether you prefer training with a barbell, dumbbells, kettlebells, or even just your own bodyweight- strength training is for everyone! Pick the option or modality that you find most enjoyable and keep that in your weekly fitness routine. If you don’t enjoy barbells, then don’t train with barbells. If you enjoy training with your own body weight that is great too! The point is to pick something that you can be consistent with. Choosing full body strength training workouts can also ensure you keep your body strength well balanced versus only training specific upper body or lower body.  

​Some of the other reasons to prioritize strength training this summer include:  
-Boost your metabolism
Post strength training session your body will continue to burn calories after your workout, which is a great perk if you’re looking to lean out and look more sculpted.

-Maintain muscle mass
After age 30 your muscle mass starts a slow decline. Then beginning at age 55 your muscle mass starts to decline at a faster rate. If you can maintain adequate muscle mass for a longer duration, then you will deal with less chronic muscle and bone injuries.
​
-Keep injury free 
No one wants to be sidelined with an injury-especially during the summer months!

-Help you maintain bone density 
This is especially important for females as they are more prone to brittle bones and fractures after the age of 50.

-Strength training also makes you feel great post workout! 
If you’re looking for a type of activity to boost your mood and shift your energy, so you feel more energetic, make sure to choose a strength training workout! 

Get and stay strong this summer and make sure to incorporate regular strength training workouts, ideally 3 times per week at minimum. Your body will thank you come the fall! 

If you’re looking for expert level support with a customized strength training routine check my latest offer- a new on-demand strength training series - that launches on July 10th! Now lacking a flexible schedule is one less thing to keep you from achieving your goals. Plus, my program includes real time guidance and feedback based on your form and movements, helping to ensure that you get the most of your workouts in the least amount of time while reducing the risk of injury. And for those looking for more personalized and customized guidance, I offer private strength training sessions as well.  

---