weightlifting

The term weightlifting refers to the lifting of heavy weights as part of an exercise routine or an athletic competition. Also known as weight training, the primary purpose of this activity is to promote muscle strength and skeletal growth.

Weighlifting relies on the force generated by muscles during contractions to oppose the weight of the object being lifted (usually dumbbells or weight sacks). It is often a part of an athlete’s training regimen. Sports that involve lifting weights include Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting and bodybuilding.

As opposed to other types of strength training, such as endurance or eccentric training, weight training focuses solely on increasing muscular resistance and strength.

Training with weights dates back to ancient Greece and it had first been described by Greek physician Galen in the 2nd century. A number of early Greek sculptures also depict athletes lifting stones, which were later gradually replaced by dumbbells. During the latter half on the 19th century, the dumbbell was replaced by the barbell, which is still used to this day.

The principles of weight lifting are simple and involve the execution of routine exercise sets to stimulate an increase in muscle size, tone, tendon and ligament strength, but also overall endurance.

Bodybuilders will sometimes take steroid (even though steroids have side effects), in conjunction with vigorous weightlifting routines, in order to achieve the desired muscle size and strength. Steroids are synthetic compounds that work in a similar way to the male sex hormone testosterone. They increase protein synthesis, strengthen bone tissue and help build muscle mass.

Unfortunately, steroid use is accompanied by a number of health hazards, ranging from mild to life threatening. These adverse effects include acne, baldness, testicular atrophy, infertility, cardiovascular disease, as well as kidney and liver damage.

Weightlifting, however, can help increase bone density, helping prevent osteoporosis, but can also lessen the symptoms of lymphatic obstruction in women who have undergone a mastectomy. To ensure the safety of a weight training routine, athletes are advised to start with 5 to 20 minutes of warm-up and stretching, as well as control their posture and breathing, and remain hydrated.

In order to avoid strain and discomfort, beginners are usually advised to start slowly and gradually build up to a weightlifting program that is suitable for their physical abilities.

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Original Technorati articles tagged “weightlifting”

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