5 Ways Lifting Weights Can Make You a Better Person

I talk a lot about mindset and what iron can do for you at this site for a reason. Why? Because the way we think impacts everything else that we do and how we do it. 

Proper mindset can be the difference between whether you succeed or don’t even try at all.  Whichever direction you choose is where you’ll gain or lose the most momentum.  It’s a cycle and once you’re in it, it’s difficult to stop.

Here’s what happens if you choose not to eat right and exercise:

• Your metabolism slows down.
• Your muscles and bones weaken.
• Instead of burning off sugar and calories, they turn to fat and store on your body.
• As you gain weight and your muscles weaken, you lose energy.
• You start sleeping less and the sleep you do get sucks.
• Studies show people who don’t exercise are more prone to sadness and depression.
• You crave even more fatty and sugary foods.
• When you’re depressed, weaker, and have less energy, the less you end up doing.
• You gain more weight and the cycle continues.

People who are often caught in this cycle have no idea the damage they’re doing to their bodies until it’s too late.  They might notice their pants getting smaller or the lack of energy, but they’re so in-tune with their lifestyle it barely registers until something bad happens.

Getting Motivated

The other side of this argument is how amazing you feel when you’re active and work out on a regular basis.  Let me repeat that there’s much more to working out than physical appearance. 

It can improve your mood, give you the motivation you might’ve been lacking, allow you to do more than you could before, and even improve the relationships in your life.

Here are 5 ways Weight Training can make you a better person:

Workout Benefit #1: You Feel Better About Yourself

When you are out of shape, the number one thing that keeps you from trying to get fit is thinking about how hard you’ll have to work to get where you need to be.

Thinking about that ripped physique and bulging veins, getting from fat to fit is a task that can take a year or three to accomplish, so most don’t even try.  Other’s quit when they don’t get immediate results.

The reality is, don’t focus on the long-term goals. Weight training is a process, it slowly carves out the best out of you. As time proceeds, you move forward. Those little changes slowly build confidence in you.

You start out small with little repetition, but before you know it, you’re doing a little more.  And a little more.  You’ll start to notice little changes in your physical appearance as your muscle groups tighten and grow.  Things you struggled to do before are now easier to accomplish.  Your shirts will fit better and you’ll have an amazing amount of energy.

Little by little, you’ll notice these small changes that eventually add up to big results.  Before you know it, you’ll be lifting larger amounts of weight and be able to add more reps.   You’ll feel proud of yourself and wake up eager to tackle the day, rather than sluggish and exhausted.

Workout Benefit #2: You Inspire Others

There’s nothing more inspiring to others than when someone sets a goal and sticks with it through completion.  The same is true for working out.  As you work on changing your life, others around you will see the benefits of your work. 

Fitness lifestyle involves many things that a normal person is totally unfamiliar with. It demands you to eat nutritious foods – oats, multi-grain bread, eggs, lentils, beans, fruits, veggies, and sipping whey protein throughout the day. 

Having said that, many people including your friends and family want to understand your way of life. They see hard work, they see those veins popping out of your arms. It motivates them and they want to understand nutrition and training better.

There is nothing as rewarding in life than inspiring others to become a better version of themselves.  As I stated earlier, people think it’s too difficult to get up and change their life for the better, so they don’t bother trying. 

What might finally change their mind is seeing your success as YOU gain confidence, energy, and better health.

Workout Benefit #3: You Get to Work Off the Stress

It’s a fact, life can be messy and stressful at times.  Whether it’s your exhausting job, business, family, relationship struggles, or anything else that might cause you stress, it’s incredibly bad for the body.  Stress releases certain hormones that can cause a myriad of issues and wreak havoc on your body.  Here are a few:

• Your muscles get tight, causing aches and pains to radiate throughout your whole body.
• High blood pressure.
• Compromised immune system.
• Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.

Working out counters most of these issues associated with stress.  Give your muscles a good workout, not only will it release feel-good endorphins into your brain, and flush out the bad chemicals that gum up your muscles and make you sore.  So, instead of feeling achy, you can go to bed feeling relaxed, ensuring a good night’s sleep.

Workout Benefit #4: You Get Stronger

This benefit has a strong connection with #1.  When you start working out and seeing the progress you make along the way, you start to feel like a champion.  Everything you do in life seems to get easier and take less effort.

Instead of multiple trips, you find you’re able to carry all the groceries in at one time.  Lifting and playing with the kids is easier and more fun.  If you work outside or do something that requires heavy lifting, the tasks become simpler. 

Overall, it’s about regaining control of your abilities and taking on new challenges.

Workout Benefit #5: You Learn to Appreciate Life

Honestly, everyone I know who works out seems to have a high esteem about themselves and life in general.  They are happy, passionate, and have a good work ethic.  It’s almost like being wealthy. 

When you have a lot of money, you can relax more and enjoy the simple things.  The same goes for having abundant good health.  You’re happy to be alive and in good shape.

As you push your limits and develop new talents and abilities, a new zest for what can happen is born.  Now you have renewed goals and a vision to keep improving your body and your health. 

Whatever you devote your life to is what you will get back in return.

Whatever habits you develop right now will give you momentum for the future and change your whole life. 

Start small and experience short-term victories that add up over time and let that guide you to your ultimate success.