There’s a huge body of evidence stating that we should strive to be active most days, but also incorporate strength training into our schedules at least twice a week. Being generally active is important for many reasons, and can be easily implemented into our lifestyles, for example, taking a lunchtime walk, parking further away in the supermarket carpark, cleaning the car the old fashion way! However, strength training is arguable more important that general physical activity and requires some expertise and equipment – and generally the missing ingredient in most people’s training.

One simple method to learning and gaining confidence in strength training is by joining the Performance Lab, which has been specially created to help everyone, in performing regular strength training.

You may still be wondering if joining the Performance Lab is worthwhile. Absolutely, there’s some advantages in joining the Performance Lab and our community of members.

#1Insulin Resistance

Unfortunately, more people are becoming insulin resistant, which is a precursor to type II diabetes. Individuals who are becoming insulin resistant require higher levels of insulin to get glucose (carbohydrates) into their cells – this can lead to major long-term health implications and contraindications.

Studies have shown that lifestyle changes and strength training have a strong relationship in altering insulin resistance. In short, a stronger or a higher level of strength (strength is associated with more muscle mass), reduced the likelihood of developing or having insulin resistance.

Performing exercises like squats, deadlifts, presses, and rows will develop your strength. Not sure how to perform these exercises, not a problem, ask one of our Performance coaches – they will get you lifting in no time!

#2: Optimal Environment Drives Performance

Physical activity can be performed anywhere, which is great! However, strength training requires an optimal environment. Trying to strength train at home will drive some results, but without the optimal equipment and load, you can become disappointed and frustrated in your training and results.

By training at the Performance Lab, you will receive advice on your training loads, rest periods, and training volume – all to drive muscular adaptations. You can even upload your training loads on our app to track and monitor your progress.

#3: Focus on Personal Bests

We all get a boost when breaking or smashing a personal best! And the great thing about a personal best is it’s relative to you. This could be achieving your first full pull-up to hitting a new PB in your deadlift. At the Performance Lab, we value PB’s as this helps you to keep focused on your training and performance.

Take a trip to the Performance Lab and speak to a coach about how to start

#4: Mental Health and Wellbeing

The excellent benefits it offers for mental health are yet another advantage of using the gym in Surrey. By joining the Lab, you become a part of the community, and receive support from the coaching Team. A coach can also help you with lifestyle changes, and what we call, ‘Living Like an Athlete’. This can help with nutritional changes, hydration levels, sleep routines and recovery strategies – all to promote mental health and wellbeing.

PRIORITISE STRENGTH TRAINING

Absolutely, prioritize physical activity and eating well, along with optimal sleep patterns, but also prioritize strength training. If we used an investment analog, regular strength training will guarantee you great returns for everyday life to sports performance. If you want to feel better, move more efficiently, manage body composition, jump higher and run faster – strength training is the answer!