Look around your house. You’ll likely notice plenty of heavy objects that you could lift up and even carry. But, why would you? The answer is simple: for the health benefits!

How strength training impacts your metabolism

Did you know that every pound of muscle burns roughly six calories per day while at rest. To put that in perspective, that’s about three times as many calories as a pound of fat is able to burn. So, if a woman adds 10 pounds of muscle and loses 10 pounds of fat, she’ll be able to burn 40 extra calories a day. That can make a difference in the long run for people looking to lose weight.

In order to get the best results, it makes sense then that more muscle is needed. And, in order to get more muscle, strength training is required. For anyone who is unable to make it to the gym for any number of reasons, working out at home is always a possibility; of course, this would include using compound movements to lift heavy objects regularly. (Just be sure you do so safely!)

How strength training helps your spine

One common fear or misconception about strength training is that it’s actually harmful for your back and can lead to back pain. The reality of the situation is that human tissue actually needs to be exposed to loads (of weight) to become strong; your joints, muscles, and ligaments need this exposure to be prepared for regular tasks.

In fact, a study looked at rowers and the loads they put on their lower backs as they train and compete. While some did experience lower back pain that generally did go away, the important finding was that there is a “sweet spot” where the back is gradually trained to cope with the load. The back pain people (including some of these rowers) experience is not a result of the weight itself but of rapid increases in training with poor recovery. People who are able to move well through their hips, knees, and other joints (often as a result of proper training) are less likely to experience back pain.

Final thoughts

Don’t be afraid to relocate that furniture (just ask for help if it’s too large!). Regularly lifting heavy objects at home can be an effective form of strength training that improves your overall health and well-being. Just be sure not to push beyond your limits, and always seek medical advice from your doctor if something feels off or you need additional information about strength training.