Benefits of lifting weights

Benefits of Lifting Weights | Lady Luxe Life

Benefits of lifting weights are endless, but it becomes even more important as we age. In my 50s, I am learning so much about how to stay healthy. I found this great article on “9 Reasons why Women over 50 should Lift Weights and I thought I would share a few of their points with you.

Increases metabolism

A great point brought up in this article: “Hormonal changes of menopause might make you more likely to gain weight around your abdomen than around your hips and thighs, according to the Mayo Clinic. They go on to warn that excess weight (especially around your midsection) increases your risk of chronic conditions like breathing problems, heart and blood vessel disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down, which makes it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Sure, cardio is a great way to burn calories, but lifting weights builds muscle, and lean muscle mass increases resting metabolism which helps burn fat. Muscle weighs more than fat, so while you may not lose weight, you’ll decrease fat.”

Increasing metabolism was what caught my eye! Who doesn’t like the idea of their metabolism increasing? My husband is in the medical field, so I am surrounded by healthcare all the time. It is so interesting to see how there is clinical proof here about the benefits. This is so interesting!

More Energy:

The article states, “Disrupted sleep during menopause causes fatigue. Exercise is known to boost energy and fight fatigue. Increasing muscle mass by lifting weights triggers the body to produce more testosterone, a hormone that is tied to energy and sexual health.”

This seems to have multiple reasons right here on why weight lifting can be good for the body! Wow…who knew that it could be tied to sexual health too. The more I research health, the more I am blown away at how everything is tied together.

Improves sleep and mood

Talking about clinical research, the article states, “Women report the most sleeping problems from peri-menopause to post-menopause, including hot flashes, mood disorders, and insomnia, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Sleep problems are often accompanied by depression and anxiety and can make women tense, irritable, and moody.

Studies show that people who exercise regularly sleep more deeply, for longer periods of time, without waking up as much throughout the night. Strength training, when done with regular aerobic exercise can improve mental and emotional health. Plus, exercise releases the brain’s feel-good chemical, endorphins. Not only can pumping iron improve symptoms of clinical depression and reduce anxiety symptoms, but it also boosts your confidence and self-esteem, and can improve your sense of well-being, giving you a better-perceived quality of life.”

When I work out, I can definitely notice a difference when I exercise. It is definitely making a difference in my 50s. I am so intrigued to start adding more weights into my weekly regime. Aren’t you?

Are you feeling inspired? Here are a few choices to get you started on your journey:

Do you love to be healthy? Check out a few of my other blogs about diet and Pilates! Or search “health” on my blog search bar.

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