Most people shy away from lifting weights due to the heavy loads. However, weightlifting is an important aspect to include in your workout routine. The benefits are clear. Strength training increases your work capacity, improves your bone density, and encourages fat-free body mass. This is especially important with aging because it helps ameliorate our quality of life and reduces the risk of illness that creep in the later years. With aging, we lose bone and muscle mass, which can increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Weightlifting adds a stress to the bones and muscles that help fight against the decay. Additionally, it improves your metabolism and allows movements to be completed easily and properly. Learning the proper technique to perform certain actions can help during the performance of other daily activities and engage other muscles to help with stability and balance. Developing this coordination and balance prevents falls, which can be extremely dangerous. Incorporating these exercises can also significantly influence your health. Weightlifting is associated with reduced risks of depression, anxiety, diabetes, and it also helps decrease blood pressure. Weightlifting is extremely useful for the prevention of back pain because it helps strengthen the core and the muscles that support the spine. This can be a lucrative asset for those who work at an office desk. Strength training is also linked to an increase of calories burned, even after the workout has finished. Furthermore, it helps improve your sleep and it shows clear results. Weightlifting should be part of everyone’s exercise routine and for those of you who already lift, great job! If you were unsure about weightlifting before, I hope this has helped persuade you to try it. But, like anything, the place you go influences your experience. If you want a kick-butt workout led by an amazing, knowledgeable, and motivated group of coaches, come to The Ark! It has the added benefit of sweating in a family-like atmosphere.
Lift on!
Brittany performing the back squat in our strength and conditioning class. Squats are an integral part of our strength and conditioning program, and performing them may increase your quality of life as you age.