Strength training – that is, any activity where muscles work against resistance – isn’t just pumping iron. Doing ab crunches, lugging shopping bags home, hammering nails into a wall – they all count.
Paired with aerobic activity, strength training can improve cardio fitness and blood sugar levels. Stronger muscles lower blood pressure and burn more calories, even when you’re at rest. And strength training earns more FitPoints™ values than other activity.
Still not sold? Let’s bust a few myths:
Myth #1
Myth: Aerobic exercise is best for calorie burning.
Fact: Pairing aerobic activity with strength training is better, increasing muscle mass and shrinking fat mass.
Myth #2
Myth: Strength training will make me look like the Hulk.
Fact: Not unless you’re lifting ultra-heavy weights all the time. Lighter weights and body weight resistance boost muscle tone and definition.
Myth #3
Myth: I have to join a gym or buy expensive equipment.
Fact: Exercises that use your own body weight such as plank challenges, using resistance bands or even lifting filled water bottles will do just fine.
Make a plan
Add resistance to your workouts. Start by trying a new strength activity one day this week, such as:
• Pick an Aaptiv workout in the WW app.
• Go to the park with a friend to do body weight exercises such as squats, lunges and planks.
• Check in with the Activity Groups on Connect.
And remember to see how many FitPoints® you earn!