Heart Healthy Benefits of Light Weight Lifting

Weight lifting isn’t just for bodybuilders. It is one of the best ways to fight osteoporosis and maintain bone mass. In fact, it’s a great exercise to maintain a healthy heart, strong muscles and keep your metabolism fired up. Arnold Schwarzenegger move over, seniors are lifting weights too!

A recent study conducted at Iowa State University¹ analyzed data from nearly 13,000 adults who lifted light weights and measured three outcomes;

Cardiovascular events including heart attack and stroke that did not result in death
All cardiovascular events including death
Any type of death

The results showed significant benefit from limited weight lifting. Researchers discovered that “Lifting weights for less than an hour a week may reduce your risk for a heart attack or stroke by 40 to 70 percent.” However, there is no need to try to become Mr. or Ms. Universe because the study showed that there was no additional benefit from spending more than an hour lifting weights.

Additional findings of the study are just as stunning. They include:

Just two sets of bench presses that take less than 5 minutes could be effective
The benefits of strength training are independent of running, walking or other aerobic activity
Researchers concluded that you do not have to meet the recommended guidelines for aerobic physical activity to lower your risk of heart disease; weight training alone is enough

Does that mean you have to join a gym? Not necessarily. Researchers said when it comes to the body, a weight is a weight.

“Lifting any weight that increases resistance on your muscles is the key,” said DC (Duck-chul) Lee, associate professor of kinesiology at the university. “My muscle doesn’t know the difference if I’m digging in the yard, carrying heavy shopping bags or lifting a dumbbell.”

The study also showed other health benefits from lifting light weights. Researchers examined the connection between weight-lifting and conditions like high cholesterol and metabolic syndrome (a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.) They discovered:

29 percent less risk of metabolic syndrome
32 percent lower risk of high cholesterol

The Livestrong website² (a partner of the Livestrong Foundation) lists even more benefits of lifting weights. They include:

Reduces depression
Fights osteoporosis and strengthens bones
Prevents back pain
Improves balance which can help to reduce falls
Makes you mentally stronger
Simply put, you will look and feel stronger

If you want to begin lifting light weights, start carefully and cautiously. Always be aware of protecting your lower back and begin with five pound weights only. Health professionals, including the Mayo Clinic³, recommend the following:

Check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine
Wear the right footwear to avoid slips and falls
Stay hydrated – drink water while exercising
Warm up with five to 10 minutes of stretching or brisk walking
Choose a weight only heavy enough to tire your muscles after 12 to 15 repetitions
If the recommended three sets of 12 exercises are too difficult, reduce the sets, not the repetitions. In other words, lift two sets of 12, rather than three sets of eight
As you begin to workout realize you may be a little sore the next day
Rest one full day between exercising each specific muscle group

Here are some examples of light weight lifting exercises from Mayo Clinic:

Remember that while weight lifting is very beneficial, it’s important to begin slowly and carefully. Don’t try to lift too much weight at a time. The goal is not to build bulging muscles. It is to give your bones, muscles, and heart a workout that will keep them healthy for years to come.

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Sources:

Carol Pardue-Spears

Carol has worked in the healthcare field for more than forty years. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, she worked for El Camino Hospital in the cardiac unit, Los Gatos Community Hospital, The Women’s Cancer Center in Los Gatos and several home health and hospice agencies. Carol founded Family Matters in 2002 to fill a deficit she witnessed in high-quality, in-home services and care.