Why Strength Training Is Important
Strength training isn’t just about lifting heavy weights—it’s about developing a resilient, functional body that can handle the demands of daily life, sport, and aging. Here are some of the key benefits of incorporating strength training into your fitness routine:
1. Builds Muscle & Increases Strength
One of the most obvious benefits of strength training is that it helps build lean muscle mass. Whether you want to increase muscle size, improve endurance, or simply feel stronger in your everyday activities, lifting weights and using resistance exercises will get you there.
Strength training works by creating small micro-tears in muscle fibers, which then repair and grow stronger through proper recovery, nutrition, and progressive overload (gradually increasing weight and intensity over time). This process is what leads to muscle growth and increased strength over time.
2. Boosts Metabolism & Supports Fat Loss
Many people associate fat loss with cardio workouts, but strength training is just as—if not more—effective. When you build muscle, your body burns more calories at rest because muscle tissue is metabolically active. This means that even when you’re not working out, your body is using more energy than if you had less muscle mass.
Additionally, strength training creates an “afterburn” effect known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), which helps your body continue burning calories after your workout is done.
3. Strengthens Bones & Joints
As we age, bone density naturally decreases, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Strength training is one of the best ways to maintain and even increase bone density, reducing the likelihood of injury as you get older.
By placing controlled stress on your bones through resistance exercises, your body adapts by increasing bone mineral density. This is why strength training is highly recommended for older adults looking to maintain strong, healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis.
4. Improves Athletic Performance
Strength training isn’t just for bodybuilders—it’s a key component of athletic performance in every sport. Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, swimmer, or CrossFit athlete, increasing your strength helps with power output, endurance, injury prevention, and overall performance.
At Nitro Performance CrossFit, we incorporate strength training into our programming to help members run faster, jump higher, lift heavier, and move better in all aspects of fitness.
5. Enhances Mental Health & Confidence
There’s something incredibly empowering about getting stronger. Lifting weights and pushing past limits not only builds physical strength but also boosts mental resilience, confidence, and self-esteem.
Strength training has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, thanks to the release of endorphins (the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals). It also provides a sense of accomplishment that translates into other areas of life, making you feel more capable and confident.
6. Improves Functional Fitness & Everyday Movement
Functional fitness refers to the ability to perform everyday activities with ease, such as carrying groceries, lifting objects, climbing stairs, or playing with your kids. Strength training improves mobility, balance, coordination, and stability, making everyday movements easier and reducing the risk of injury.
At Nitro Performance CrossFit, we focus on functional strength training that mimics real-life movements, helping you build strength in a way that enhances your overall quality of life.
How to Get Started with Strength Training at Nitro Performance CrossFit
If you’re new to strength training, getting started can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. At Nitro Performance CrossFit, we guide members through structured, progressive strength training that’s tailored to their fitness level and goals. Here’s how you can begin your strength journey with us:
Step 1: Join Our Beginner Program
If you’re brand new to CrossFit or strength training, our Foundations of Fitness Program is the perfect place to start. This 7-session small group training course is designed to introduce you to foundational movements, proper technique, and our training philosophy.
We’ll cover essential lifts like:
✔️ Squats (Back Squat, Front Squat, Overhead Squat)
✔️ Deadlifts
✔️ Presses (Shoulder Press, Push Press, Bench Press)
✔️ Pulling Movements (Pull-Ups, Rows, Cleans)
You’ll learn the fundamentals in a structured, supportive environment while building confidence in your ability to lift safely and effectively.
Step 2: Attend CrossFit Classes
Once you’ve completed our Foundations of Fitness Program, you can jump into our CrossFit classes, which incorporate strength training, conditioning, and skill work. Our coaches program progressive strength cycles to ensure you’re building strength consistently over time.
Our current programming follows the PRVN Artemis Cycle, which is designed to improve strength, power, endurance, and skill proficiency leading up to the CrossFit Open.
Step 3: Track Your Progress & Stay Consistent
Strength training is all about progression over time. We encourage members to track their lifts, monitor progress, and gradually increase resistance as their strength improves.
Using the Push Press app, you can log workouts, track progress, and stay accountable to your training goals.
Step 4: Consider Our Strength Add-On Programs
Looking for an extra push? We offer specialized strength add-on programs, including:
💪 Nitro Pump – A 3-day-a-week strength-focused program designed to build muscle and boost confidence in weightlifting.
🔥Nitro Burn- A 3-day-a-week aerobic capacity program focused on endurance, stamina, and getting ready for those longer duration workouts or races.
🔥 Compete Program – For serious athletes aiming to compete in the CrossFit Open and beyond, focusing on high-volume strength and skill development.
These programs complement our CrossFit classes and provide additional strength work for those looking to level up their training.
Start Your Strength Journey with Nitro Performance CrossFit
Strength training isn’t just about lifting heavy weights—it’s about building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient body that supports you in all aspects of life. Whether you’re looking to gain muscle, boost performance, or simply move and feel better, Nitro Performance CrossFit is here to help.
🚀 Ready to start? Join our Introductory Program or drop into a class today! Let’s build strength, confidence, and community—together.
📍 Location: 2947 Jolly Rd, Okemos
📧 Email: Nitroperformancecrossfit@gmail.com
🔗 Sign Up Today! Click on one of the links below!
