Workouts generate body benefits

The gym: a place where people go to sweat and burn fat. This doesn’t sound fun, does it? But, according to Brent Greer, a personal fitness trainer, going to the gym and working out three times a week for 30-40 minutes is essential for living a healthy life.

“Working out and lifting weights will help your muscles become stronger and provide for a better and healthier heart,” Greer said.

Weightlifting provides some benefits that running does not. Lifting weights is more heart healthy than running alone. Weightlifting produces a stronger heart and bones and helps strengthen the immune system.

Weightlifting isn’t just a technique men use to look more chiseled; it is good for women too.

According to www.weight-lifting-exercise.com, “Muscle cells burn more energy than fat cells and strong muscles burn more calories than flabby muscles. They also store sugar as a source of energy for the next time they’re used.”

There are some simple exercises that Greer suggests including in a workout.

“What you should do when you work out are the basic routines. This includes the chest, back, arms and legs. Specific exercises are the bench press, curls and crunches,” Greer said.

Every girl wants the “perfect abs,” right? Greer claims that all of the machines that promise perfect abs in 10 days and without much effort are fakes.

“The ab machines are all gimmicks,” Greer said. “They do not achieve better results than a simple crunch. Lying on the floor on your stomach and lifting your arms and legs at the same time also helps the abs and strengthens the back.”

Candice Calvert, a USF student, said, “I like to work out, it’s just finding the time to do it. School takes up most of my time and then there’s work, too.”

There is a solution to this problem. Just a few extra minutes a day provides for a healthier lifestyle.

“Everyone has time to get up in the morning a few minutes earlier to do push-ups, crunches and jumping jacks. Also, try some stiff-leg toe touches, which is standing up, keeping your legs stiff (while) touching the ground,” Greer said.

Start off with a number you’re comfortable with, maybe 20-25 each.

“After you accomplish doing about 100 each, every morning, try adding weights to it. Keep building from there,” Greer said.

Calvert said she is going to start working out again.

“I used to work out, and doing simple things like walking up the stairs was easy for me. I find myself out of breath now, and I don’t like that. I need to get back in shape,” Calvert said.

Weight training and aerobics not only stimulate your muscles but could also save your life if you are overweight.

“They say weight training adds 10 years to your life,” Greer said.

So why not wake up a little bit earlier and start working out every day? It can only help you.

Here is a list of the benefits you’ll gain by adding weight-lifting exercises to your schedule:

Easier weight loss or weight maintenance
Leaner, stronger body
Improved appearance
Better posture
Lower blood pressure
Increased resting metabolism rate
Improved balance and coordition
Stronger bones