One of the things I love about fitness is that its something that can be done no matter what your age or gender. Weightlifting is beneficial for people of all ages for overall physical and mental health.
Weightlifting can have many medical benefits, such as increased muscle mass, improved strength and coordination, help deal with stress and improved overall health. Additionally, it can help increase bone density, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and improve cardiovascular health. Weightlifting also helps to stimulate the body’s natural production of hormones, such as testosterone, which can help improve mood and energy levels. Finally, strength training can help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Gaining muscle doesnt mean BULK!
Dont get me wrong, gaining muscle can mean BULK, but theres a lot of other factors that go into that such as nutrition, training, sleep, and supplementation. For the average person like you and me, just because we lift weights doesnt mean we will be bulky. One of the benefits of weightlifting is increasing your muscle mass.
Increasing muscle mass can be beneficial in a number of ways. It can help improve posture, balance, and coordination; reduce the risk of injury; and improve overall strength and endurance. Additionally, increased muscle mass can help with weight loss by burning more calories even when you’re at rest. Finally, increased muscle mass can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. So, I dont personally think increasing muscle mass is ever a bad thing.
Choose your Stress
Weightlifting has always been known to ‘reduce stress’ and I used to believe that as well. I have recently changed my mind about that statement because weightlifting IS stress. By weightlifting, I am choosing to put stress on my body and mind to get through a workout, instead of being a victim of the stress my day throws at me. Weightlifting may reduce stress a little, but for me it allows me to stress myself enough in a controlled setting to where the outside stresses dont seem insurmountable. Now, weightlifting does release endorphins, which promote a feeling of well being, so technically it does reduce stress that way. Additionally, weightlifting can help to reduce cortisol levels, which are hormones associated with stress.
Weightlifting and fitness has been a savior for me as far as my mental health. Sure, the physical benefits are great but my mental health starts to deteriorate well before my body does if I begin to neglect the gym. So I choose to stress myself out in the gym to prepare me to deal with the stresses outside the gym.
Weights for Seniors too?
In my opinion, weightlifting becomes more important the older you are due to all the physical and mental health benefits.
Weightlifting can help improve strength, coordination, balance, and posture, which are all important for maintaining independence and mobility. Additionally, weightlifting can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Furthermore, strength training can help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Finally, weightlifting can help increase bone density and help maintain a healthy weight. Making sure our bones remain dense enough when we get older is imperative. If not, small bumps and falls can become terrible bone breaks which take a very long time to recover from. Being proactive with weight lifting and other exercise can help in a major way as we become older.
Its for Everyone!
My favorite thing about fitness is it truly is for everyone! It doesnt matter whether youre 62 years old and 300lbs, you can do something fitness wise to become better than you were yesterday. It doesnt matter is you are 30 years old and skinny, you can still do something fitness wise to become better. Lets continue to try and improve ourselves on a daily basis, and in turn make this world a better place!
Stay Blessed