A certain type of exercise can have different effects on different people; this is due to the different types of body compositions that people have. Some might think that lifting weights is only for meatheads who want to get bigger, but that’s not the truth. Lifting weights has plenty of benefits for both men and women, whether your goal is to bulk up or slim down.
Here are some major health and fitness benefits of weightlifting:
- It helps prevent injuries
Weights help to build up the muscles around your joints, which in turn help to support your joints and prevent injuries. When you have strong muscles supporting your joints, you’re less likely to get injured in everyday activities or during sports.
- It strengthens your bones
Weight-bearing exercises like lifting weights help to strengthen your bones. Stronger bones mean a lower risk of fractures and breaks and can help to prevent osteoporosis later in life.
- It boosts your metabolism
Lifting weights increases your muscle mass, and muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue. That means that even when you’re at rest, you’re burning more calories than someone with a comparable amount of fat tissue.
- It helps you lose fat
Despite what some might think, lifting weights can help you lose fat. When you lift weights, your body has to use energy (calories) to repair and rebuild your muscles. That means that you’re burning calories even after you’ve left the gym.
- It improves your insulin sensitivity
Lifting weights has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body to regulate blood sugar levels. When your body is more sensitive to insulin, it can better control blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- It reduces stress
Exercise in general has been shown to reduce stress, and lifting weights is no exception. When you lift weights, your body releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. In addition, the act of concentrating on lifting weights can help to take your mind off of whatever is stressing you out.
- It improves your cardiovascular health
Lifting weights can improve your cardiovascular health in a number of ways. It can lower your blood pressure and resting heart rate, and it can increase your HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. All of these factors together can help to reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
- It makes everyday activities easier
When you lift weights regularly, you’ll find that everyday activities become easier. That’s because strong muscles make it easier to do things like carrying groceries, climbing stairs, or even just getting out of a chair.
- It can help to prevent age-related muscle loss
As we age, our muscles naturally start to atrophy (waste away). This process is accelerated by inactivity. However, lifting weights can help to offset age-related muscle loss and keep your muscles strong as you get older.
- It can improve your mental health
In addition to the physical benefits of lifting weights, there are also mental health benefits. Exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Lifting weights can also help to improve your self-esteem and body image.
