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Strength training is not only a great way to get toned for summer, it’s also great for your brain. Studies have shown that weight lifting for 20 minutes at least twice a week can boost your brain power. If you want to give your brain a boost, here are five easy ways to incorporate weight lifting into your lifestyle this summer.
Take it to the playground!
If you don’t have access to a gym or prefer to workout outdoors, you may be surprised to find out your local playground can serve as the perfect place to strength train. Try using the monkey bars to work on your pullups. If you are a beginner, try doing the basic hand over hand monkey bar movement. This is a great way to build both muscle and grip strength.
Buy your own equipment.
If you wish to get in your 20 minutes of strength training in the privacy of your own home, all you need it a good pair of weights or a kettlebell and a chair. You can do a variety of exercises that work your biceps, triceps and shoulders while sitting in a chair. The chair can also be used as a spotter if you are a beginner and what to work on your squat form. Try doing squats while holding a weight in each hand at your sides or holding a kettlebell out in front of your body.
Mowing the lawn.
Pushing an old-fashioned mower is a great strength training exercise for your glutes and calves. It’s also great for your cardiovascular healthy.
Try a 30-day challenge.
If you need a little extra motivation to stay on track with your strength training goals this summer, try a 30-day challenge with a friend for a little friendly competition. A 30-day push up challenge is a great way to build strength and get the brain boosting benefits of weight lifting.
It’s all about balance.
This may seem like a no brainer but whatever you do to one side of your body you must do to the other to avoid injuries and muscle imbalances. In other words, be sure to count reps especially when doing lunges to make sure you are doing the same amount on each side. The same goes for working your muscle groups equally. If you are doing push-ups, make sure you also are doing exercises to work the muscles in your back as well.
