WHY WE SHOULD ALL LIFT WEIGHTS

There is much scientific evidence that demonstrates the benefits of lifting weights.

Some of the better-known benefits include:

• Improved muscle strength and tone – to protect your joints from injury.

• Maintaining flexibility and balance, which can help you remain independent as you age.

• Weight management and increased muscle-to-fat ratio – as you gain muscle, your body burns more kilojoules when at rest.

• May help reduce or prevent cognitive decline in older people.

• Greater stamina – as you grow stronger, you won’t get tired as easily.

• Prevention or control of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, back pain, depression, and obesity.

• Pain management.

• Improved mobility and balance.

• Improved posture.

• Decreased risk of injury.

• Increased bone density and strength and reduced risk of osteoporosis.

• Improved sense of wellbeing – resistance training may boost your self-confidence, improve your body image and your mood.

• Improved sleep and avoidance of insomnia.

• Increased self-esteem.

• Enhanced performance of everyday tasks.

www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/resistance-training-health-benefits