Q: How is weightlifting beneficial for my health?
A: This is a very good question and one that deserves a great deal of attention. When we strength train, we build muscle. Muscle allows us not only to move, but also helps to maintain many other functions of our body.
Muscle helps to prevent bone loss. When muscles contract (flex), the tendons connecting muscle to bone helps to strengthen the bone it is attached to. In fact, strength training has been shown to increase bone mineral density in post-menopausal women. This is turn, prevents bone fractures. As you are aware, we not only lose muscle mass, but we also lose bone mass at a significant rate as we age.
Muscle increases are metabolic rate. Muscle is our fat burning furnace…the more muscle we have, the more calories we burn. As we lose muscle mass, our metabolic rate slows considerably. It is for this reason, that so many individuals gain weight as they age, despite the fact that their calorie consumption has not changed.
In addition to the metabolic changes mentioned above, one must consider that without muscle, we would find it very hard to manage activities of daily living such as getting in and out of the car, house cleaning, laundry, bathing, and cooking–just to name a few.
So far, strength training is the only way that has proven to increase muscle mass and/or slow the loss. Unfortunately, cardiovascular activity does not stop muscle loss. In fact, it can cause the increase of muscle loss if overdone. This is not to say that cardiovascular activity is not beneficial. A program that combines the two is the best for overall health.
Do not be afraid to start a regular strength-building program. Age is not a factor, but if you have concomitant medical conditions, ask your personal physician before starting your program.
Good Luck!
