Weightlifting Essay

1918 Words8 Pages

Hayden Stamp
Ms. Nelson
English
February 10, 2023

Weightlifting effects on the body

Weightlifting, also known as resistance training, is a form of exercise that involves the use of weights and resistance to build the muscles and bones. It has been a very popular form of exercise for centuries. It goes back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians as they used weighted objects to increase physical strength and endurance. Notably, it was also in the first Olympic games held in Athens in 1896. Recently, the popularity of lifting has risen by almost 25% since 2010. There are many different versions of weightlifting, such as weighted cardio, yoga, and High Intensity Interval Training. Many consider weightlifting to be a sport, and will argue that it …show more content…

Another very popular version people like to watch and keep up with is called bodybuilding, where you use weights to build your body up as big and lean as possible. While it is often looked upon with bright eyes, some people have concerns about what participation in the sport may lead to in the future, such as temptation of PED use, becoming injury prone, and stunted growth. These concerns have been debunked, however, you are always going to be able to find someone who can tell you otherwise. Weightlifting is mostly used for both athletic and therapeutic purposes, and while the immediate effects of weightlifting, such as muscle growth and strength, are well known, the long-term effects of weightlifting are not as well understood by most people who engage in it. This essay will explain the long-term effects of weightlifting on the body, …show more content…

Lifting weights not only has benefits to your physical condition and heart health, but also your mental health. In the US alone, at least 40 million people are diagnosed with anxiety and depression disorders. That is roughly 19% of the population! A great way to handle this mental disorder is to simply hit the gym. Exercise, including weightlifting, is known as a stressbuster. It helps to reduce these feelings of stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins. The same endorphins that were mentioned earlier that help reduce pain, also help reduce stress. Along with doing this, endorphins also are a great mood booster for when you may not be having such a great day or week. The gym can also aid in mental health because lifting can improve your self esteem and self image. A big reason many people have anxiety is because of their body image and their whole entire physical aspect. People worry about being judged in public and that can lead to some unhealthy brain activity. As you lift and begin to hit your fitness goals, your body will begin to change and you will get stronger. When you start accomplishing your goals and looking for the next big thing, that self esteem will skyrocket. To add another reason lifting helps mentally, it gives a sense of control to whoever is performing it. People who may feel out of control in the gym or in other areas of their lives may love this benefit, as gaining