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Home: Weightlifting and General FitnessBig or small, short or tall, anyone can benefit and benefit greatly from weightlifting. As we age our metabolism slows down and we lose lean muscle mass and bone density. Loss of lean muscle mass leads to even slower metabolism, and this becomes a vicious cycle leading to on overweight and sedentary lifestyle which brings with it a whole host of other health problems. Now I am not saying that lifting weights and weight training can reverse the ageing process, but it can break this cycle, and make you feel fit and keep you fit at any age. Just ask Jack LaLanne, still going "strong" at 92. One of the hardest parts of any exercise program is motivation to keep going. It is easier to stay motivated with weightlifting and weight training then most other exercise. Because you can see and feel the result in just a short time. Weight lift for only a few weeks and you will start to see an immediate increase in your strength and stamina by 20 to 40%. And this will not only be in the gym, suddenly all those grocery bags you carry home from the store or your kids are going to feel much lighter. Increased strength and power will improve any sport you are into. Stronger leg muscles will allow you to run faster. Stronger upper body and can hit a ball harder or throw further. Weightlifting and strength training improve stamina overall, and stronger muscles and bones can take more of a pounding so lifting weights can help prevent other sports related injuries. Of course weight training will help you look better. And many people start lifting only to improve their physique and physical apperance. They do not even realize all of the other benefits one gets from sculpting a toned and defined body by weightlifting. While some fitness experts argue that Aerobic exercise is better to improve cardio vascular health then weight training, studies have proven that cardiac output increases during weightlifting. And of course it is a physiological fact that the heart and lungs support all muscle function, so when muscles are taxed during weightlifting their support system is also getting a workout. That is why today most fitness experts suggest that you engage in an exercise program that includes at least some weight lifting combined with cardio, even a few days a week, for total overall good health and fitness.
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