One of the most popular exercises that people engage in is weightlifting and it has become renowned for building muscle strength and mass. Nonetheless, this does not mean that weightlifting is only effective for muscle building purposes. In fact, it can actually have a positive impact on your mental and physical health and can also help in improving the overall quality of life. Some of the benefits that you can enjoy from weightlifting other than building muscles are outlined below.
Improve your bone density
You can improve your bone density with weightlifting and this can help in preventing a condition called osteoporosis in which bones and muscles can weaken and become vulnerable to fractures. When you are lifting weights, your bones are stimulated because the muscles pull on them and this can help them in becoming denser and stronger over time. It can also be helpful in improving joint health and the risk of injury is significantly reduced.
Reduced chances of chronic diseases
Another advantage of weightlifting regularly is that it helps in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. These include cancer, diabetes and heart disease. According to studies, weightlifting reduces blood pressure, improves your blood sugar levels and also improves cholesterol levels. This is helpful in reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. The immune system is also strengthened when you engage in weightlifting and this can bring down the risk of cancer.
Better metabolism
You can also give your metabolism a boost with weightlifting. This is the rate at which calories are burned by the body. Once you start building muscles, your body will need more energy for maintaining these muscles and this gives your resting metabolic rate a boost. This means that even if you are not exercising, you will continue to burn calories.
Improved mental health
Your mental health will also see a positive impact because of weightlifting, which includes reduced depression and anxiety. Feel-good hormones called endorphins are released when you exercise and this can help reduce stress, along with improving your mood. Weightlifting also gives your self-esteem and self-confidence a boost and this is good for your overall mental health.
Better quality of life
People can also see their quality of life improve through weightlifting because it becomes easier for them to perform everyday activities. You will see an improvement in mobility, flexibility and balance. In addition, the risk of falls can also be reduced through weightlifting, something that is a big concern amongst older adults.
Improved athletic performance
Your athletic performance can also improve through weightlifting because it improves your endurance, power and strength. Athletes can benefit from it in an array of sports, which include track and field, basketball and football. The risk of injury can also be reduced through weightlifting and this is of the utmost importance for athletes who are involved in high-impact activities.
These benefits make it evident that weightlifting can be a lot more than just building muscles because it improves your overall life by having a positive impact on your physical as well as mental health.
