Weightlifting is an activity that has been around for ages and can be great for developing strength, building muscle, and creating an overall more fit lifestyle. As such, it is no surprise that more people than ever are incorporating weightlifting into their exercise regimen. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of negativity around weightlifting, stemming from rumors and misconceptions that can deter people from trying it out.
Here are the top reasons why you should ignore the rumors and give weightlifting a chance.
It Does Not Have to Involve Heavy Weights
One of the biggest misconceptions about weightlifting is that it requires lifting heavy weights. In fact, this could not be further from the truth. While pushing yourself is certainly important, it is also important to learn proper technique and form. You should also focus on safely and slowly increasing weight to prevent overstressing your joints and muscles.
For this reason, you do not have to lift anything absurdly heavy in order to make progress. This is great because it means everyone can partake in weightlifting, regardless of the amount of weight they can handle.
You Don’t Need to Worry about Bulking
Another fear of weightlifting is that it will cause you to put on a lot of muscle mass. This is known as “bulking” and is generally assumed to be an undesired result for most people.
The reality is that bulking only really occurs if you are eating a lot of calories and focusing on creating muscle tone. Even if you do actively try to bulk, it will take several months to see results – so you have time to adjust to any changes that occur. You also have full control over how much weight you are lifting and how many sets and reps you are doing.
With this in mind, there is no need to worry that weightlifting will cause you to bulk unnecessarily.
It Can Help You Reach Your Weight Loss Goals
Weightlifting is often associated with bulking, but it can actually be extremely beneficial for those looking to lose weight. This is because weightlifting can help increase your metabolism and body fat burning abilities.
Studies have shown that lifting weights for just two or three days per week can help you burn more calories. This is because weightlifting creates small tears in the muscle tissue and when you go to repair the torn muscles, it requires a lot of energy. As such, the more muscle you have, the more calories you can burn, leading to eventual weight loss.
It Can Increase Your Strength
One of the best reasons to start lifting weights is because it can help to increase your overall strength. Strength training involves lifting heavy weights for repetitions and helps to build up your muscles and core. This then gives you more strength and power when you are doing daily activities like walking up stairs or carrying groceries, meaning you do not have to exert as much energy.
It Can Improve Your Mental Health
Weightlifting is not just beneficial for your physical health, but it can also have a major impact on your mental health. Exercise has been proven to help reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being.
Weightlifting has also been linked to increased confidence and improved self-image. This means that by weightlifting, you can start to feel better about yourself and have more faith in your abilities.
Weightlifting is an activity that has been around for centuries and can help to improve overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, there are often misunderstandings about weightlifting which can lead to fear and anxiety.
In the end, it is important to remember that weightlifting does not have to involve heavy weights, nor does it have to cause you to bulk. In fact, it can actually help to reach your weight loss goals, increase your strength, and improve your mental health. With this in mind, there is no reason why you should not give weightlifting a chance.
