Using free weights is an effective way of improving strength and fitness. Lifting weights improves fitness while it burns calories, increase muscle size, strength, power, and endurance, and increases bone density and improves the quality of life for many older adults. Instruction is necessary if you have never used free weights before, or are not that familiar with the use of free weights. Technique, and safety are important considerations

Unlike weight machines, free weights don't restrict movement. This is great for building strength, but it also increases the risk of injury. Safety precautions include having a good grip, maintain a stable position sitting or standing, use good technique or form, and getting good instruction from an exercise professional.

 

 

By lifting with free weights, you can build what's called lean muscle tissue. This tissue adds to overall body mass, but more by strengthening existing muscle tissues, than creating new ones. Thus, very little weight is added as a result. However, this lean tissue increases your metabolism, as it requires more calories to fuel and maintain these new muscles, and this in turn can help weight loss.

 

Make sure to try and avoid common weightlifting mistakes, such as ignoring certain muscle groups. Men tend to focus too much on the upper-body, while women tend to over-work the legs. Remember that lifting for weight loss will increase definition, but won't add bulk, so don't be afraid about getting too big. You want to turn as much of your body as possible into a calorie burning machine. And remember, just because you're lifting less weight doesn't mean you can't get hurt; and always have a spotter.