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You may think of exercise as a young person’s game, but anyone can, and should, do it. Exercise is ageless. As long as you’re physically capable, consider the different exercises to fit your lifestyle. Swimming, cycling, walking, running, and yoga are all common activities for seniors. However, weightlifting is another activity to consider. Check out these top reasons older people need to lift weights to see the physical and mental benefits that occur. Before you begin any exercise routine, consult your physician for any possible hindrances or concerns they may have.
Weightlifting is one of the best activities to improve one’s physical health. As you age, your musculoskeletal system weakens. You may find basic physical activities like bending over, picking up something, or constant mobility and flexibility, are harder and more strenuous on your body. That’s where a healthy weight training routine comes in handy. Weightlifting improves strength, muscle endurance, and cardiovascular health—all important facets to a healthy lifestyle. Keep in mind that this does not necessarily mean you’ll look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, but you’ll feel better and notice greater mobility from a healthy gym routine.
Ultimately, weightlifting improves your overall strength. Whether it’s lifting ten pounds or one hundred pounds, you’ll find it easier to lift objects as you progress in your weight training. As you age, you may deal with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is a natural syndrome in which your musculoskeletal system gradually weakens, leading to physical disability and poorer quality of life. While everyone will experience this at some point in their lives, there are ways to mitigate its effects. Eat a healthy diet, refrain from smoking, and regularly engage in muscle training exercises. You’ll find that over time, your body responds to the movements, and you’ll have greater dexterity than before.
Some people want bulging muscles to show off to their friends, family, and loved ones. Whether or not this appeals to you, weightlifting does tone your muscles. You’ll find that throughout your weight training, you’ll see more veins, striations, and muscle definition. That’s because weight training builds and supports your muscle fibers. As you lift weights, you tear the muscle fibers to the point of exhaustion. Afterward, a diet filled with lean protein and rest will slowly rebuild and strengthen those fibers. That’s what makes muscles “grow,” but keep in mind that it aids in achieving leanness and muscle definition, too. Even if you don’t want a hulking physique, weightlifting is a great way to lose unwanted body fat and tone your muscles towards a greater physique.
Anyone who wants to improve their heart health and cardiovascular system must do so with aerobic activities, or those that increase oxygen to the body. Cycling, running, and swimming are all great examples of aerobic activities. Anaerobic activities, like weightlifting, do not require oxygen to perform the workouts but are typically higher intensity. While weightlifting is not an aerobic activity, it still supports and improves heart health. In fact, a steady weight training routine can reduce the possibility of a stroke or heart attack. Aerobic activities may not be your exercise of choice, and that’s okay. Steady weight training, even at lighter increments, increases air flow, improves blood circulation, and raises your heart rate, which are all crucial factors for strengthening and supporting your cardiovascular system.
While weightlifting is great to support and improve your physical health, mental health is also one of the top reasons older people need to lift weights. Weightlifting, like any exercise, is a great way to feel better about yourself and improve your well-being. It reduces feels of depression, anxiety, and sadness, while promoting happiness, greater self-esteem, and confidence. After all, happiness is ageless. Why not begin your weightlifting journey and feel better in the process? It also improves cognitive function and brain health, both of which are vital for a greater quality of life.
In general, exercise helps reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Even older individuals benefit. Aging is a natural process, but you may experience new limitations on some of your favorite hobbies or passions. This can increase feelings of loss, despair, and sadness. Weightlifting reduces depression and anxiousness because it provides escape and release. Also, strengthening your body helps you perform more activities with ease. Even light exercise curbs sadness because it releases serotonin and dopamine, two “feel-good” hormones that improve your well-being.
Aging also takes its toll on your cognition and brain health. Weightlifting and other exercises help boost cognitive function and memory. Older adults who lift weights increase the neurons and transmitters in their brain, which further increase learning, memory, and higher levels of thinking. Weight training can also help curb confusion and memory loss. While it should not be used as a treatment for dementia or Alzheimer’s, it helps support overall cognition in aging individuals.
Keep in mind that weight training, like all exercise, makes you feel better overall. Given that you’re more active, have a set exercise routine, and experience reduced inflammation in your joints, you’ll feel better than before. Your quality of life improves significantly. You’ll feel better about yourself, given the improved self-esteem and confidence that comes with continual exercise. Furthermore, you’ll find yourself more mentally engaged, stimulated, and alert to lead a more active, positive lifestyle.
When it comes to weightlifting as an older adult, Top Fitness Store has everything you need to start. Browse our selection of rubber-coated dumbbells for sale. With a wide range of weights, you’ll find light, medium, and heavy dumbbells perfect for your level of fitness. Don’t stop there. We also sell a wide selection of cardio equipment and recovery tools to keep your body in prime condition. If you have trouble finding something to fit your personal comfort or fitness level, call us, and we’ll walk you through our products to find you something to match. Top Fitness Store is the ultimate retailer of exercise machines, strength equipment, and recovery tools to help you lead a healthier lifestyle no matter your age or condition.
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