Train for Strength, Not Aesthetics

The art of training has long stood the test of time. The 2010 decade though has radically morphed the reasons for exercise tenfold. The rise of social platforms such as Instagram and Facebook have allowed individuals to post pictures of their seemingly perfect bodies, enabling a culture of aesthetics over everything. Such a culture has intoxicated the reasons for training. We no longer train to be better, to be stronger, to feel good, to move freely. We now train to obtain that perfect six-pack so that we can post a picture posing on the beach. We train to look good, we train to garner compliments, to get likes. Yes, looking better is a result of working out, but it should not be more than just a byproduct of training. Training to be physically stronger on the other hand, has numerous positive implications. This article will highlight why you should train for strength, not aesthetics.

Your Body and Strength

There are several positive implications that strength training brings to your body. Strength training does not entail resistance training only. Training for strength means working to get physically stronger, pushing your boundaries and surpassing your own standards. Firstly, aiming for strength strengthens our skeletal system thus reducing our risk of injury. It also strengthens our muscles, helping us function better in our day-to-day life. Another aspect of training for strength is the added confidence boost. As we know, confidence is key, and strength training boosts our confidence helping us feel better and take a more active part in society. When we no longer identify with our insecurities but identify with our strengths, we tackle our surroundings much more positively.

Your immune system also experiences a surge in strength, what that means is our immune systems get stronger because of strength training. As the Insider indicates: “Working out and especially strength training boosts your immune system as it is pumping blood throughout the body, relieving stress and releasing endorphins.”

What that means is that we get sick less often. A strong immune system allows us to fight off diseases and sickness. 

Aesthetics

If you still are not convinced and still think that going for aesthetics will also entail getting stronger. That, however, could not be further from the truth. It is in fact, entirely the opposite. Training for strength will automatically entail gains in the aesthetics department too. As we work to get stronger, our bodies change, they respond to the physical demands that we put on them. Our muscles grow larger and thus aesthetics is a by-product of strength training. Running after a perfect lean body, using crazy fad diets and caloric restrictions will leave you feeling unfulfilled and weak. Training for strength instead, will leave you feeling good about yourself.