Weight training is the fastest growing exercise activity in the United States with 35.5 million participants, this according to a National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) survey. We explore research, articles, opinions and products to further increase the participation rates of strength training in the World.

Friday, October 13, 2006

ARTICLE: Weights Resistance Training is Beneficial for Heart Health

Weights Resistance Training is Beneficial for Heart Health
Resistance Exercises Is Important For Heart Health

Some proponents are adamant about aerobic exercises being the only avenue to a strong, healthy heart.

Their arguments are replete with terminology such as heart rate, target heart rate zone, low range, mid range and high range of heart rate intensity.

They maintain that aerobic exercises consume excess energy, thereby burning off stored energy cells, otherwise known as fat. When the amounts of fat cells are reduced, less cholesterol lipids (fats) develop in the blood stream, thus keeping the arteries clog-free.

Yet others argue that muscle strengthening exercises, by way of resistance training also promote a healthier heart. They argue that building more muscle increases the ability of the body to burn body fat efficiently, and that larger muscles need more energy, which increases the metabolism.

They are just as adamant in saying that when a person lifts weights, and gradually increases the weight, not only is he/she pumping iron, but also burning fat because lifting heavy weight also has the intensity feature of aerobic exercises.

The American Heart Association now recommends weight lifting and resistance training for cardiac rehabilitation patients.

Since, is known to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure responses to manual labor, thus decreasing the demand of the heart during regular daily activities.

While the arguments of both camps are valid, a better argument might be that a combination of aerobics and weight lifting helps promote heart health and muscle toning.

You Should Choose the Type of Weights That You Like Best
There are many different types of weight lifting equipment to choose from, each has their specific benefits and drawbacks. You can speak to a personal trainer or get some basic advice from other members in the gym about the various types of equipment that exists.

Basically, besides for the Nordic machines, there are at least two distinct types: dumb bells, also called free weights, and plates - round pieces of metal in varying sizes and weight.

These plates are usually hung on a long bar and produce that clanging sound in the gym when handled. Dumb bells and plates begin at 1 pound and up to 200 pounds, and more.

There's been a nice evolution in the fitness arena, too. Not only do you have dumb bells and plates, inventors have come up with different types like barbell sets, hand weights, Olympic bar sets, weights that attach to shoes, wrist and ankle weights, and even a weight vest.

In the beginning when going to the gym it is a bit frightening not knowing what the different machines purposes are for, gradually understanding the machines becomes second nature and the focus is entirely on the exercise program. If you need exercise advice you can get the advice from these online personal trainers.

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