Reasons You Should Be Lifting Weights
Whether you call it weightlifting, pumping iron, or bodybuilding – lifting weights both light and heavy has long been a great way to get in shape and stay in shape. Weightlifting or weight training has many health benefits for both men and women. There are weightlifting and weight-training routines appropriate for men, woman, even children of any age, any size, and any body type. You can build muscle mass, increase stamina, improve cardiac function, even stave off the symptoms of osteoporosis. You can accomplish all of that and more by adding a good weight training routine.
Mix in some cardio
To get the most health benefit out of lifting weights, you need to combine your weight training. You should be doing some kind of aerobic or cardio workout in addition to weight lifting. It is not healthy to just begin to lift weights without a proper warm up. Of course, before starting any workout routine, check with your doctor. Prior to starting your weight lifting workout, you need to “get the blood moving”. You want primed muscles for heavy lifting. Just before hitting the weights do a good five minutes on a bicycle, take a short jog, or jump rope. Do a few leg and arm stretches as well. The key to successful weight training involves what are called repetitions. In lifting it is not so important how much you lift, but how many times you can lift the weight. A proper weight lifting routine will be designed to work out all of the major muscle groups of the body, which include: The Shoulders, Neck and Back, Biceps, Triceps, Quadriceps Chest, Abs, Hamstrings, Calves, and of course the Gluteus.
Free weights to machines?
The next question on your mind is likely to be “should I use free weights or machines?” and “how much weight should I work out with?” You can use free weights or machines or maybe a little of both. If you are working out in a gym, of course they will have both and will likely be able to recommend a “circuit” of weight lifting exercises for you. If you intend to lift weights in the home, it all depends on your budget and physical space to determine of you want to buy a “Home Gym” type resistance trainer such as Bowflex – or a good set of free weights and barbells – or both. Weight machines are great for beginners because they have been designed to work a specific muscle or muscle group, and will insure that you are seated or standing in the right position to target that group when you lift. Free weights are the traditional barbells and dumbbells that have been around for centuries, and they work great. In fact some would argue that once you learn how to use them properly you get a better workout than machines because it is only the force of your muscles and your ability to balance the weight that keeps the weight and your muscles moving properly. There is no aid from the machine, so you are effectively using more muscle with free weights.
Better overall health
Lifting weights improves your strength and stamina. Lifting weights builds muscle and confidence, improves cardiovascular health and can actually help prevent other sports injuries. And lifting weights can help you lose extra pounds and keep them off – so what are you “weighting” for come on get pumping!
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