A couple of weeks ago, I visited someone I had not seen in about a month. After our initial, "how are you," she asked me a question that both delighted and surprised me.
"Have you lost weight?"
"No, I have even put on a couple of pounds," I regretfully answered.
"Well, it's just that you look more compact."
I tried to keep from smiling and letting that comment go to my head because I am still a few pounds over the recommended weight. However, it did make my day, as I have been working out very hard on weights and weight machines. I added this to my daily walk regimen, just two days a week.
3 Reasons Why You Should Workout with Weights
Weight lifting really does alter your body composition because you lose body fat. If you walk or hop on the treadmill, you may loses weight but not look much different. This is because you still have the same proportion of muscle mass to body fat; (Fox News by Jeff Bayer, June 12, 2009); so, keep up with your walking or other cardio activities, but add weight lifting to look more "compact."
Weight training gives you strength for daily activities. "Older adults seem to benefit from this type of exercise even at the age of 80, and even with some type of health condition," researcher Chiung-ju Liu of the department of occupational therapy at Indiana University in Indianapolis says in a news release. ( Strength Training is Good for Seniors By Caroline Wilbert, WebMD Health News)
Most experts agree that weight lifting make bones stronger, denser and possibly guard against Osteoporosis.
If you have never worked out with weights before, it is important that you consult a trainer and/or your physician.
Francine Larson:
Co-Author of Character Keys to a Bright Future.
She is currently writing for The Pasco Shopper (Fl.) and The Highlands at Scotland Yards. Also writes poetry and short stories.She has a new personal web site:http://thedragonflylady.com/
Working out with weights also increases your metabolism for up to 48 hours after your workout. On the flip side the metabolic benefits of a cardio routine are over almost as soon as you stop moving. Weight training is definitely the way to go if you want to burn fat.
Wow this is so encouraging. I have been preaching this very thing to my friends that I walk with. They do not see why they should be doing weights. I also have heard that over the long haul, weights will benefit you more (for burning fat). Thanks for the information..Fran
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