British Weight Lifting Launch Strength In Numbers

British Weight Lifting are delighted to launch #StrengthInNumbers, our new campaign which aims to educate individuals on the importance of strength training for their physical and mental wellbeing.

Statistics provided by UK Active indicate that only 24% of women aged 19-65 and only 34% of men aged 19-65 meet the current strength training guidelines. Government guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity and to do strength exercises on 2 or more days a week.

Children aged 5-18 are advised to at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day – this should range from moderate activity, such as cycling and playground activities, to vigorous activity, such as running and tennis.

On 3 days a week, these activities should involve exercises for strong muscles and bones, such as swinging on playground equipment, hopping and skipping, and sports such as gymnastics.

Adults over 65 are encouraged to do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as cycling or walking every week and strength exercises on 2 or more days a week that work all the major muscles (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms)

The benefits of strength training include:

• Strength training makes you stronger and fitter
• Strength training protects bone health and muscle mass
• Strength training boosts energy levels and improves your mood

There are many activities that help to strengthen muscles including, carrying heavy shopping, gardening, dancing, lifting weights, yoga and Pilates.

We want to know how you get your #StrengthInNumbers and if you meet the current guidelines. This could be through exercising at the gym, with your sports team, at home, school or work.

To support this campaign share your stories and photos and use the hashtag #StrengthInNumbers

Twitter: @GBWeightLifting

Instagram: britishwl

Alternatively email contact@britishweightlifting.org with your images and stories.

To learn more about the campaign and to download advice and tips please click here

As part of #StrengthInNumbers we are also pleased to be supporting National Fitness Day held on September 26^th 2018.

National Fitness Day is the biggest and most visible annual celebration of physical activity of the year. It is a chance to highlight the role physical activity plays across the UK, helping to raise awareness of its importance in helping us lead healthier and active lifestyles.

This year we are supporting National Fitness Day through a BWL Power Hour. This involves gyms running a 1 hour session and educating their members on the correct ways to do the following lifts:

• Power Clean
• Squat
• Deadlift

If your gym would be interested in signing up to the #BWLPowerHour please email contact@britishweightlifting.org