The surprise benefits of lifting weights beyond bigger muscles
When someone mentions weight training, pictures of bulging muscles and chiseled physiques may spring to mind.
However, the advantages of lifting weights extends far beyond aesthetic improvements – they can greatly enhance both our physical health and mental wellbeing.
Here are some compelling benefits that go beyond the surface, which might inspire you to start lifting weights – whether at the gym or from the comfort of your own home.
Embarking on a weight-training journey could help your bones become denser and stronger.
“Muscle-strengthening exercises help to strengthen bones by stressing them and causing them to renew themselves,” explains Helen Alexander, physiotherapy manager and rehabilitation lead at Nuffield Health.
“The mechanical loading of lifting weights as well as the muscles pulling on bones provides mechanical stimuli that helps to maintain and improve bone health. The result is stronger, denser bones.”
Helps improve your balance and reduces the risk of falls
Strong muscles are key to maintaining balance and preventing falls later in life.“Ageing leads to a natural loss of muscle strength and flexibility, making it more challenging to maintain balance and stability,” says Alexander. “Loss of strength and balance are two of the most common causes of falls, so building strong muscles is the foundation for preventing falls.
“Exercises that focus on strength in the legs, hips and core can improve our balance and reduce our risk of falls.”
Reduces risk of major health conditions
“Muscle-strengthening activities are known to improve overall health and reduce the risk of many major health conditions,” says Alexander. “One recent study found that muscle-strengthening activities were associated with a 10–17% lower risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.”
