If you hear the term weightlifting, you might imagine lifting large, heavy barbells that only muscular people can lift. However, weightlifting can actually be done by anyone and can start with lifting light barbells or kettlebells. So, what are the health benefits of weightlifting?
What Is Weightlifting?
Weightlifting is a type of resistance training that uses weights for resistance. Weight training will put pressure on the muscles used, making them stronger. The concept of this training is similar to aerobics to strengthen the heart.
When doing weightlifting, don't use the amount of weight you need to lift as a benchmark. What you should pay attention to is the number of repetitions you can do with that weight. Therefore, choose a weight that suits your body's ability and condition.
Health Benefits of Weightlifting
If you pay attention, people who are fond of weightlifting will have stronger muscles. Resistance training in general can provide various benefits, including better fat burning and improved muscle-to-fat ratio.
According to Verywell Fit, here are some weightlifting benefits for your body:
Increases Bone Strength
As you age, bones can also age like other organs in the body. If not well-maintained and exercised, you may experience osteoporosis or an increased risk of fractures in the future.
When you do weightlifting, your bones are put under pressure. Bones will respond to this pressure by rebuilding bone cells, making them stronger.
Help Formation Of Muscles
Muscles in the human body can experience atrophy as you age or if you rarely exercise. As a result, muscle mass decreases, as does muscle and body strength. With weight training, you will not only help develop muscles but also prevent them from shrinking.
Improves Body Composition
If you want to improve your body composition, weightlifting is a workout option you can try. A study shows that weightlifting can help burn fat, thus increasing muscle volume.
After intensive training, you can measure your body fat percentage to evaluate whether the exercise you are doing is effective for building muscle and burning body fat simultaneously. Take measurements after you've been doing regular weight training for 4-6 weeks.
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Prevents Injuries in the Elderly
Falls are one of the most dangerous injuries, especially for the elderly. Falls in the elderly not only result in cuts and bruises but also fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and in some cases, fatal complications.
To prevent such injuries, you can train strength and balance from a young age. Performing resistance training by lifting weights can help increase muscle and bone strength and reduce the risk of falling.
Improves Quality of Life
Several studies reveal that strength training, including weightlifting, can improve the quality of life in old age. One study mentioned that resistance training is linked to better mental health, improved mobility, reduced musculoskeletal pain, and overall better health conditions.
Weightlifting is not just a workout to build muscle and strength. In the long term, weightlifting can help prevent injuries and various health problems in old age.
For those of you who want to try weightlifting, it's a good idea to consult a personal trainer first to get the right workout recommendations.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Nadia Opmalina
Pritzker, S. (2022). 5 Benefits of Lifting Heavy Weights, According to Experts. Available from: https://www.verywellfit.com/benefits-of-lifting-heavy-weights-5323044
Davidson. K. (2021). 14 Benefits of Strength Training. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness/benefits-of-strength-training
Illiades, C. (2021). 8 Ways Strength Training Boosts Your Health and Fitness. Available from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/add-strength-training-to-your-workout.aspx