Why Lift Weights

Apart from the cosmetic appeal of a tight and toned body, there are many advantages to strength training that aren’t often promoted. These advantages only become apparent after we have suffered ill health, and then decide to take control of our body by defying disease. Well, luckily, it is never too late to make a change, and see a difference.

Lifting weights, or strength training, increases muscular strength and size. Unless you are on some serious performance enhancers, this form of training will not make you big like Arnold or Van Dame! It does better than that. It replaces muscle tissue that is lost with the aging process, and helps to increase metabolic rate (muscle burns calories, so the more muscle you have the more calories you burn!). If we don’t strength train, our metabolism will slow down by 2% every 10 years (after the age of twenty), making it constantly harder to stay in shape or loose weight.

Not only does strength training help to control obesity and flabbiness, it also increases bone mineral density and decreases the risk of degenerative disease such as arthritis. So we can now take steps to prevent illnesses we thought were unavoidable with old age. Increases in strength are also related to increased joint stability. This has the obvious result of increasing sporting or physical performance, and even reduces the risk of injury.

Strength training can be highly beneficial for sufferers of diabetes, as increases in muscle tissue means and increased amount of storage sites for glycogen (sugar), and faster insulin response. It is also helps to decrease blood pressure, and is therefore beneficial for those with heart conditions. However, please obtain medical clearance, and consult a qualified fitness professional before embarking on a training program.

Strength training even improves posture, and this in turn reduces joint pain and discomfort. Increased muscle and bone strength contributes to increased activity levels, and this is especially of great benefit to the elderly population. Training programs are easily tailored to meet the needs of any group, so you are never too young or too old to start lifting weights!

Aside from the medical benefits, and the fact that lifting weights will help you look great, it also increases self esteem. When we exercise, hormones are released in the body (endorphins) that put us on a natural ‘high’. This means that you can prevent many serious illnesses, and feel your best, simply by lifting weights! And remember, "nothing is heavier to lift than the weight of your unused potential".