Weightlifting Isn’t About Being a Weird Muscled Gym Person

Tony Leong, LEONG Orthopaedic Health
Tony Leong, LEONG Orthopaedic Health

LeongOrthopaedicHealth@gmail.com

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!

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 weightlift and become bodybuilders.

Rarely will a person grow more muscle mass than they want.

Weightlifting Isn't About Being a Weird, Muscle-bound, Gym Person
  • 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 Isn't About Being a Weird, Muscle-bound, Gym Person

Weightlifting? What’s In It For Me?

Weight training’s not about being a self-absorbed image hound. Instead, it’s about being able to do a half-squat, so that you can get off the toilet your whole life without help. That means it’s about keeping your dignity. Because with weight lifting, you keep your muscle. That’s definitely worth ONE HOUR per WEEK in the gym.

It’s Important for Everyone to Weightlift Once a Week

This is because between ages 25 – 35, you start to lose half a pound of muscle per year. What’s worse, 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). Consequently, 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).

Weightlifting Isn't About Being a Weird, Muscle-bound, Gym Person
Tony Leong maintaining his muscle mass!

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.

Because muscles are engines that use 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!

Therefore, EVERYONE should weight lift with correct form, impeccable posture, and an effective amount of weight (or resistance). Although a physician’s clearance may be necessary.

Weightlifting Helps Control Blood Sugar and Weight

Increased muscle mass helps manage blood sugar levels. this means, you can get away with a little more sugar (or alcohol, bread, potatoes, pasta).

But 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.

The Incredible Benefits of Weightlifting

  1. Improves posture,
  2. Creates a shapely body,
  3. Strengthens bones, ligaments, and tendons,
  4. Keeps joints healthy,
  5. Boosts stamina (activities of daily living become easier),
  6. Improves focus, state of mind, and self-esteem,
  7. Improves stability, balance, and agility,
  8. 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.

In conclusion, 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:

– LEONG Orthopaedic Health

Ready to start your weekly weightlifting regime?

personal training

by appointment only. Please email:

LeongOrthopaedicHealth@gmail.com

If you like this article, please share it!

All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission. Copyright 2015.