There are lots of people, most of them women who discard lifting weights as a form of exercise. Unfortunately, they think they will look like men (because of more muscles). But luckily this assumption is not true. If you compare the hormones of men and women you will find out that they’re not the same. Men have lots of the hormone testosterone which plays a big role in developing our muscles. Women have very few of this hormone, so they do not bulk-up with weight training.
Many researches show us that so called strength training (resistance exercise), be it weight lifting or any other form have a very good effect on our musculoskeletal system and contributes to prevention of osteoporosis, loss of body mass, helps with lower back pain and other disabilities one can have. With muscle conditioning we gain overall stability and strength of our body. That’s good for the bones because they grow stronger and denser with stresses put on the muscles surrounding them.
After months of regular muscle training with weight lifting you will notice that you sit and stand straighter and more comfortably. You will also notice improved balance and stability of your body. You will also handle daily stress situations more easily. Your sleep will improve and you will fall asleep quicker. Doctors have found out that regular exercise is one of the best tool for effective stress management.
Because weight lifting raises metabolism, your body burns more calories. And that means you will lose weight permanently (if you workout on a regular basis). Also your body fat will disappear. Your overall weight might not change but you will gain muscles and lose fat. There’s a saying: “something is better than nothing”. And this saying is true for weigh lifting. That’s why you should start today. Even small thing like lifting grocery bags will keep your muscles and bones intact if done regularly. Ask your doctor about making weight lifting a part of your daily fitness regimen.