Weightlifting, or resistance training, is associated with numerous health benefits apart from the obvious one of muscle build-up. Here are the major health benefits of weightlifting
Major Health Benefits
Increased Muscle Strength and Endurance
Lifting weights improve overall muscle strength and endurance, thus enhancing physical performance in daily activities and in sports.
Better Body Composition
Resistance training results in the loss of fat in the body and an opportunity for muscle growth. The result is a leaner and toned body.
Increased Metabolism
Building muscles increases resting metabolic rate. You burn calories more when resting. It can be used in controlling weight and losing fats.
Bone Density
Weight lifting may increase the density of bones. Thus, there will be a reduced chance of getting osteoporosis or fractures, especially in elderly persons.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Regular resistance exercises can improve insulin sensitivity, thereby maintaining blood sugar and helping to avoid Type II diabetes.
Enhanced Mental Health
Lifting weights has been proven to diminish the symptoms of anxiety and depression, positive mood, and generally all aspects related to mental well-being due to endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that are released.
Better Posture and Balance
Exercise strengthening the core and back muscles helps maintain posture and balance in old age.
Functional Fitness and General Activities
Lifting weight enhances functional fitness; anyone can perform all kinds of general activities following that action. It further strengthens several other physical skills through making their performance safely and promptly.
Increased Competitiveness in Other Sport/Body Activities
The Resistance Exercise enhances the improvement in overall sports and any body fitness activity, significantly, mainly because it enables individuals with improved muscle power and force, speed and also efficiency in coordination skills.
Cardiovascular Health
Although weightlifting is usually considered an activity that is separate from other exercises, it can also be good for the heart as it enhances circulation, reduces blood pressure, and enhances cholesterol levels.
Social Interaction
For instance, a social element such as motivation, support, and a sense of belonging is provided to an individual by becoming a member of a gym or attending weightlifting classes.
Cognitive Benefits
There is emerging evidence that resistance training can benefit cognitive function and the possible prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
Joint Benefits
Muscle strengthening around the joints provides stability, reduces the risk of injury, and decreases the severity of conditions such as arthritis.
Adding weightlifting to your schedule can give you all this and much more. This is a big factor in the improvement of general health and quality of life. Consult a health care professional or fitness professional if you are planning on trying out a new exercise regimen, especially if you have any medical conditions.
Also read : 25 reasons running is better than the gym
