[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Weight Lifting: Pros and Cons” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23f8941e” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_single_image image=”3325″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
While weight lifting has always been popular among segments of the population, this pursuit has grown with the arrival of the internet and websites and forums dedicated to connecting weightlifters. Now, you can easily find advice on technique, nutrition, and other information to safely build muscle mass while avoiding injury. Still, there are many people out there who don’t yet have a good grasp of the potential benefits and pitfalls of weightlifting.
Weightlifting Should Not Be Your Only Exercise
Lifting weights and performing other resistance exercises can give you an attractive physique and a powerful body, but these activities lack in one crucial area – cardiovascular fitness. Unlike running, swimming, rowing, etc., weightlifting does not increase your heart rate. Therefore, it does not directly contribute to cardiovascular health. Resistance training and weightlifting can certainly be strenuous, but they are not aerobic exercises.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with weightlifting. You just need to make certain that you intersperse your lifting with some aerobic training. Maybe spend 30 minutes on the treadmill before starting your reps, or enjoy an hour of laps in the pool after your lifting session.
Weightlifting has the Potential for Injury
Every innocuous activity or form of physical recreation has the potential for injury. You can even be injured while sitting in your office and typing. But weightlifting does carry unique risks. Lifting too much weight can lead to torn muscles, ripped ligaments or tendons, dislocated joints, or crush injuries.
Basic precautions help to reduce the probability of many injuries. Always have a partner spot you when feasible. Also, refrain from trying to lift more than you can handle. You can still build muscle and become stronger from repetitively lifting lighter weights rather than risking injury by struggling with weight beyond your current abilities.
If you are lifting weights, it is particularly important to visit your chiropractor regularly for injury detection, treatment, and prevention. Licensed chiropractors are experts in body mechanics, and your chiropractor is a source of valuable advice and knowledge. Furthermore, they will examine you for small dislocations, called subluxations. These subluxations may not be apparent yet to you, but could potentially cause major problems in the future. Subluxations are not uncommon in weightlifters since weightlifting can put a lot of stress on the body.
Your chiropractor can treat subluxations with gentle adjustments. They are also able to treat muscle soreness and soft tissue injuries with a variety of modalities. You lift weights to help keep your body in top shape. Help yourself by seeing your chiropractor to further ensure your health.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]