If you are trying to change your physique for 2024, weightlifting may be for you! Weight training or weight lifting involves exercising and building strength using either weight machines or free weights as resistance. This can be accomplished either at a gym or from the comfort of your own home. Although it was once considered to be exclusively for athletes or bodybuilders, today it can be achieved by anyone who is interested. Senior Victoria Chevallier has taken on the new habit of weight training at her gym TruFusion in Coral Gables.

Just like Victoria benefits from weight training so can you! Anyone can start lifting at their own pace to meet their desired goals. Strength training can create newer and stronger muscles. But how does this process work? Microscopic tears occur in muscle fibers when lifting weights. The body responds by using the food we eat to repair the damage that has happened and also grow new muscle tissue. (https://gwrymca.org) Senior Fernanda Ponce pays close attention to her form when lifting to ensure that her muscles recover correctly in this way.

“For me, posture is extremely important when I strength train because different positions can affect what part of my body is targeted to gain muscle,” said Fernanda.

A benefit of lifting weights at the gym is that it can foster new relationships. You can make gym buddies by finding others who have similar fitness goals as you and who are committed. Becoming a part of weight lifting group classes can help you socialize and make new friends. Senior Andrea De Armas is a prime example of this.

“Since I started lifting at Equinox, I have connected with people and made new friends,” said Andrea.

Lots of people have included getting fit as part of their New Year’s Resolutions. If you’re feeling stuck on getting started with this, then give weight lifting a try. It’s not only beneficial for your physical health, but your mental health as well.