Weightlifting Isn’t About Being a Weird Muscled Gym Person
We all know the muscle-head stereotype. Many believe that to enter a gym and pick up a dumbbell is to embrace that image for themselves:
- Freakishly large bulging muscles,
- 80s signature clothing ripped to showcase rippling strength beneath tanned skin,
- Harsh, aggressive personality,
- The absence of intellect on any subject other than the human physique.
Very few gym-goers actually fit this stereotype!
But, please understand, I Don’t Want to Be a Bodybuilder!
Most don’t. Neither do we. Bodybuilders are bodybuilders because they have a mesomorphic body type and the correct genetics. Not to mention they have the desire and will to become bodybuilders.
Rarely will a person grow more muscle mass than they want.
- Ectomorphic: long thin muscle. Not predisposed to store fat or build muscle.
- Mesomorphic: large bones, above average muscle mass. Predisposed to build muscle.
- Endomorphic: medium bone structure, wide hips. Predisposed to store fat.
Weightlifting? What’s In It For Me?
Weight training’s not about being a self-absorbed image hound. It’s about being able to do a half-squat, so that you can get off the toilet your whole life without help. It’s about keeping your dignity. It’s about keeping your muscle. That’s definitely worth ONE HOUR per WEEK in the gym.
It’s Important for EVERYONE to Weight Train Once a Week
Between ages 25 – 35, you start to lose half a pound of muscle per year. Unfortunately, a muscle fibre can never be regrown. Year after year, as your muscle fibres disintegrate, the amount of calories you burn decreases (slowing your metabolism). This is why people seem to replace muscle with fat as they age.
However, if you weight train, you keep your muscle fibres. You also build up the existing muscle mass (grow more contractile units into the existing muscle fibres).
A slow metabolism can sustain a hibernating bear without eating for months. Do you want a slow metabolism?
No! I like to eat.
Do you want a fast metabolism?
Yes! A faster metabolism consumes more calories.
Muscles are engines that burn calories. More muscle equals a faster metabolism. Increased metabolism will burn more calories for as long as you have that muscle density — even while sleeping!
Increased muscle mass > Increased metabolism > Increased calories burned > Increased fat loss
EVERYONE should weight train with correct form, impeccable posture, and an effective amount of weight (or resistance).
A physician’s clearance may be necessary.
Weightlifting Helps To Control Blood Sugar and Weight
Increased muscle mass helps manage blood sugar levels. Meaning, you can get away with a little more sugar (or alcohol, bread, potatoes, pasta).
Why worry about blood sugar levels?
Because of Diabetes II. And because of the insulin reaction. Too much sugar in your blood damages your organs and is eventually turned to fat.
Incredible Benefits of Weight Lifting!
- Improves posture,
- Creates a shapely body,
- Strengthens bones, ligaments, and tendons,
- Keeps joints healthy,
- Boosts stamina (activities of daily living become easier),
- Improves focus, state of mind, and self-esteem,
- Improves stability, balance, and agility,
- Decreases likelihood of injury
If you are a true mesomorph and become “too big,” then weight train once every two weeks … or even only once a month.
The main goal is to preserve your muscle mass and prevent it from disappearing as you get older. The good news is that you only have to Weight Train Once a Week!
– LEONG Orthopaedic Health
Ready to start your weekly weight-training regime?
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