Why it’s so important to lift weights at any age

weightliftingWhen you hear the term “weightlifting,” you probably envision an Arnold Schwarzenegger-type guy lifting a heavy bar and grunting while he does it. Sure, that may be the stereotypical perception of weightlifting, but weightlifting doesn’t always have to be that serious.

In fact, weightlifting is as simple as two to three pounds in each hand—essentially lifting any type of weight makes you a weight lifter.

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If you aren’t incorporating weightlifting into your workout routine—at least once a week—then you could be putting your health at risk. Regardless of your age, it’s important that you maintain a workout and exercise routine, and you need to ensure it includes some form of weightlifting. According to research findings, it could save you from a very serious health condition.

Weight lifting is linked with several health benefits

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that just one hour a week of weightlifting was enough to ward off metabolic syndrome—a slew of conditions that increase a person’s risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

The study included 7,400 adults, 15 percent of which developed metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome consists of high blood pressure, high triglycerides and cholesterol, blood sugar, and obesity.

The researchers adjusted for risk factors that are associated with metabolic syndrome and found that the people who took part in resistance training for one hour or less were 29 percent less likely to develop metabolic syndrome compared to those who did not lift weights.

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Additionally, the findings held true for all types of resistance training. The researchers also found that training more than an hour a day didn’t offer greater benefits or protection against metabolic syndrome.
The study findings go to reinforce the notion that “weekend warriors”—people who only workout on the weekend—are not missing out on health benefits.

The researchers did note, though, that those who partook in resistance training and aerobic exercises had the greatest protection against metabolic syndrome.

If you haven’t exercised in quite some time, the good news is that a little goes a long way. You don’t have to jump in full force to start protecting yourself against metabolic syndrome. Just begin slowly. Furthermore, ensure that you are incorporating weightlifting or resistance training of some sort in order to really reduce your risk of metabolic syndrome.


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http://www.menshealth.com/health/lifting-for-an-hour-protects-heart

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