Article Reference: Weightlifting Is Not Just for Jocks

I just finished reading a very accessible article written in the latest addition of Scientific American regarding the benefits of resistance training that I wanted to share the link to:

Denworth, Lydia. “Weightlifting Is Not Just for Jocks: Strength training prevents diabetes and lowers overall death risk more than aerobic exercise alone.” Scientific American, April 2024, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/simple-resistance-exercises-improve-overall-health-and-reduce-death-risks/

While the benefits of resistance training aren’t exactly a secret, in the past few years more and more studies have shown new correlations between lifting weights and longevity, disease risk, and overall quality of life. Furthermore, while I have witnessed many positive changes in my career regarding the perception and popularity of weightlifting, resistance training still doesn’t boast the widespread popularity of cardiovascular exercise. One reason for this, as the article notes, is that cardio tends to be easier—at it’s most basic form, we need to be taking steps, and we generally know how to do that. But resistance training, especially for those who’ve never done it, is a bit more complicated, and can tend to be intimidating. This leads to the next reason resistance training is performed by fewer people than cardio despite the benefits. Although, as I mentioned, perception is changing, there is still some stigma around weightlifting that it is exclusively for men, or for the young, or for the athletic. This article does a very nice job addressing some of these concerns while presenting the case that resistance training is really for everyone who is interested in leading a healthier life. Resistance training benefits all genders, all ages, and all fitness levels! When performed just a couple of times a week in addition to cardiovascular exercise, resistance training has the ability to take your fitness (and even your mental health) to the next level, while reducing your disease risk profile and potentially lengthening your life. Pretty awesome right?!

If you need help getting started, MUS Wellness has several online resources. Below are a couple of those resources, plus some other ideas/options to help you take your first step!

• Wellness Lab has several courses to teach you basic resistance training movements, beginning with your own body weight.
• Check out the Exercise Library right here on Montana Moves, to get some quick ideas of resistance exercises you can try.
• Use the Search feature at the top of this page to search for more Montana Moves articles on resistance training or weightlifting.
• Visit your campus fitness center or local gym and try a beginner group fitness class focused on resistance training.
• Hire a personal trainer to write a personalized program and teach you to correctly lift.

You got this!

Neal