Posted on 23 Nov 2014

Weightlifting for Exercise

Early man lifted stones to improve strength as a matter of survival of the fittest. This, eventually, moved on to lifting bells with the clappers removed giving raise the term dumbbells. The first occasion weightlifting appeared as an official sport in the Olympics was in 1896, but only became a regular event in 1920. The Olympics in 2000, in Sydney, saw the first women’s weightlifting classes.

Weight training uses gravity to build strength in muscles, with the aid of equipment such as gym equipment, barbells, and resistance bands. The major muscle groups are targeted.

Men tend to want to add bulk to their muscles whereas women want to go for the lean and toned look. There are three elements to building a lean toned look. They are diet, weight training, and equally important rest. The body needs protein to build and repair muscles, together with fruit, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains. Maintaining your hydration is very important during exercise. Combine strength training with cardiovascular exercise to improve overall fitness, endurance, and weight maintenance. Rest is important to allow the body to repair the muscle groups. Target one area, such as the arms, legs, and abdominal region, one day and then the next session target the legs, and hips. There is a body-fat percentage calculation which can be applied for women, and that would be between 18 to 24 percent of body fat.

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Health and Fitness Advice by FitFarms Editorial Team

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