The goal of a light weight lifting routine isn't to bulk up
muscles but to achieve a healthy lifestyle that helps you to do
all of the activities you would enjoy, effortlessly.
A light weight lifting routine is an important element to any
workout routine. Lifting weights will improve your muscle
strength, increase your core strength, protect your vital
abdominal organs, improve balance and coordination and give you
an overall feeling of wellness.
A light weight lifting routine will also help to build self
confidence and self-esteem, improve bone density to decrease the
risk of osteoporosis and increase or maintain muscle fitness and
balance.
Lighter weights with higher number of repetitions and sets will
improve muscle shaping, body toning and endurance. While using
heavier weights with a shorter number of repetitions and sets
will increase muscle size and strength.
Before starting a program, even a light weight lifting routine,
you must consult with your doctor. Especially those people over
35 who have been inactive for a lengthy period of time. Even if
this description doesn't fit you there may be silent medical
conditions such as heart problems, asthma or blood pressure
issues that should be addressed before beginning a program.
Even if your goal is to graduate to a heavy weight program you
must begin with a light weight lifting routine to learn the
proper techniques of lifting to prevent injury and to learn the
safety guidelines. Maintain good posture to protect your back -
unlock your knees and elbows, keep your feet apart and your head
as a natural extension of your back. When you are doing
exercises keep your head up and your shoulders down and back.
Tighten your abdominal muscles and squeeze your buttocks to
maintain a protected back. Use control when you use weights.
Don't let the weights swing or fall to the ground.
Before beginning your exercises be sure to warm up for 5-10
minutes. You can use an indoor bike, treadmill, small indoor
trampoline or jump rope. Then spend a few minutes stretching
each of the muscle groups slowly and easily. Stretching should
also take between 5 and 10 minutes. The correct speed to do
weight lifting is to lift to a count of two or three and lower
to a count of four. Breathe through the movements - don't hold
your breath.
More men and women are finding the benefits for weight lifting
to their physical and mental health as well as their overall
physique.
Read More about Weight Gain Guide