Is Weightlifting Safe for Middle-age People

No one likes to admit they’re getting older, especially me. I fight against aging as much as I can. Unfortunately, that’s not something that we can stop, however, we can certainly go into our middle-age years with valuable information that’s meant to keep us strong and healthy throughout the rest of our life.

There’s so much more researchers know today about how our body works. One thing is for sure and that is our body starts to weaken as we age. So it’s up to us to be able to maintain and even build that strength so that we can live a long active and healthy life.

Weightlifting is not something that comes to mind necessarily when you are middle-aged. Especially if you have never done it before. But the information that research gives us today tells us that exercise, movement, and strength training will fight diseases such as diabetes, reduce the chance of heart attacks, reduce chance of strokes, not to mention, just improve our flexibility and ability to move more easily.

I started weightlifting at 55 years old. I’ve always been very muscular and sturdy, if you will. I decided to embrace muscle building because I could feel my body changing. I couldn’t stand for long periods of time. I couldn’t walk comfortably. It’s an effort to get out of chairs. That told me that my muscles were weakening all over my body and seeing how I have a heck of a long life left, I certainly wasn’t going to just continue to vegetate.

Is Weightlifting Safe for Middle-age People

One of the things to remember when you start weightlifting in the middle age years and beyond is that our muscles, tendons, and ligaments are not as flexible as they used to be. Maybe back in the day we were able to lift 25, 30, or 40 pounds easily so some people through pride say oh, I can start lifting these heavier weights, when in fact your muscles have atrophied and you need to start lower and slower.

You have to be careful when lifting weights in your middle-age so instead of doing three and four sets, start with one set of 10 or even 5 repetitions, if you have to. Then build up to one set of 15 and then move to 20. You don’t want to hurt yourself straight off the bat. Resist increasing the weight until you can safely do at least 20 without being sore the next day. Then you can add either additional set or an additional amount of weight. Most people in the middle age bracket are not lifting for bulk, but for strength.

Beginning weightlifting when you’re middle-aged is okay and safe as long as you pay attention to how your body feels and stop when you feel pain or discomfort. Start slow so that you do not damage your muscles, which would cause you to give up, let alone not want to work out anymore.

Also, make sure to consult a medical professional to make sure that it is okay for you to start weightlifting. Join a gym where there are fitness trainers that can help you reach your goals and ensure that you lift safely.

Do you work out with weights? How did you start and what is it done for your strength and flexibility?