Did you know that weight lifting is one of the best ways to keep off body fat? You may feel like you're burning more calories while doing cardio, but you're also burning a bunch of calories weight lifting, too, and you're maintaining adequate muscle mass, which is the best way to keep body fat off. The more muscle you have, the less fat you'll have. As your lean muscle increases, so does your resting metabolism, which will cause you to burn 35-50 more calories a day. Weight lifting doesn't mean you'll look like a body builder if you lift weights. The right amount of weight lifting, 2-3 times per week, will get you looking slim and fit. Besides losing weight, weight lifting has some other great benefits to consider.

1. You will be physically stronger. Your increased strength will make you not so dependent on others for assistance and you will be less likely to have an injury. Just moderate weight lifting can increase your strength by 30-50%.

2. You will decrease your risk of osteoporosis. Weight training can increase spinal bone mineral density and enhance bone remodeling by 13% in less than a year. Weight lifting also reduces risk of injury, back pain, and arthritis. It makes stronger muscles and stronger connective tissues. This acts as reinforcement for the joints and help prevent injury.

3. You will reduce risk of heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol. Weight lifting will also help reduce the risk of diabetes by increasing the glucose utilization in the body by 23% in 4 months.

4. Just like cardio, weight lifting can also make you feel better by reducing stress. It will help increase your energy and make you feel better about yourself.

What are you waiting for? Get to that weight training! It's never too late to start!

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