Why Use Weight Lifting Equipment? Discover These Five Key Benefits of Weight Lifting
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
by Brandon Massey
http://www.exercise-equipment-advisor.com
People sometimes forget about weight lifting equipment. You know--dumbbells, barbells, weight benches, plates. With the recent explosion in popularity of treadmills, elliptical trainers, and other flashy high-tech fitness equipment, it's easy to forget the numerous benefits of pumping some good old fashioned iron.
If you'd really like to get fit--and stay fit for life--here are the top five reasons why you should be using weight lifting equipment in your exercise program.
It's been documented that by age 74, over one-fourth of American men and two-thirds of women can't handle lifting an object heavier than 10 pounds. Yep, just 10 pounds -- like a simple bag of groceries or a giggly infant grandchild.
Your muscles literally shrink as you continue to age (the technical term is "atrophy"). By using weight lifting equipment regularly, you can halt this process, and stay fit and strong well into your golden years.
2) Build bone density
Osteoporosis, a bone loss disease, plagues millions and millions of us, resulting in fractures that usually affect the wrist, hip, and back. But bone loss doesn't suddenly hit you once you become eligible for the senior citizen discount -- the process actually begins in your mid-thirties.
Strength training, such as lifting dumbbells and barbells, can drastically slow this deterioration. Placing stress on the muscles stimulates bone growth.
It's never too late to start, either. Studies indicate that you can even regain lost bone mass by following a regular weight lifting program and a proper diet.
3) Prevent injury
No, being healthy and strong doesn't protect you from all injuries, but it certainly can prevent some of them. Lifting weights improves your sense of balance, key to preventing falls and twisted ankles. And with the stronger bones you'll get from pumping iron, even when you take a tumble, you're less likely to break a bone or suffer a fracture.
4) Enhanced appearance
Performing an hour of cardio on the treadmill is great, but it doesn't build muscle. Weight lifting can help you grow, shape, and firm up your muscles.
Don't worry that weight lifting will magically transform you into Mr. or Miss Universe, either. You'd have to tackle heavy weights, over a period of time, to develop the supersized muscles that we associate with bodybuilders. But moderate strength training will tone and better define your muscles, and this will almost certainly enhance your confidence about your looks.
5) Boost your metabolism
Lifting weights is a proven way to increase your metabolism. (Your metabolism is the number of calories your body burns at any given moment.)
The more muscle mass you have, the more calories your body must burn in order to maintain daily functions. In fact, for every pound of muscle you pack on, your body burns an extra 30 to 50 calories a day.
On the other hand, if you're losing muscle mass as you age, your metabolism is slowing down, too. Guess what that means? You'll have to eat considerably less to keep from packing on the pounds. Do you really want to keep cutting back the calories in your diet . . . year after year after year, just to maintain?
Wouldn't it just be easier to use weight lifting equipment in your fitness program?
A long-time passionate researcher of health and fitness issues, Brandon Massey runs an exercise equipment reviews web site. For weight lifting equipment reviews and advice about other fitness equipment that can help you lose weight, increase stamina, and build muscle, visit his site now.
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