Remember the early day magazines that advertised the benefits of a weight lifting exercise program? The advertisement depicted a skinny teenage boy having sand kicked in his face by the muscular bully. The advertisement claimed that if you sent away for their material and faithfully followed the plan, one day you would be able to do the same to that bully.

In actuality, the claims of this magazine were not all that far-fetched. Although the benefits of a weight lifting exercise program include muscular development, there are other benefits that can be gained from following a weight lifting exercise program. These benefits include increased stamina, weight loss, building of muscle tone, and strengthening of the ligaments and tendons.

Increased Stamina

An exercise program is a regimen that is designed to stimulate the muscles and provide a cardiovascular workout. A cardiovascular workout is defined as a process that increases the respirations and stimulates the heart to pump faster. The resulting beneficial effects of an exercise program are to strengthen the body and increase the body's stamina. A weight lifting exercise program, by this definition, meets or exceeds the desired effects of a beneficial exercise for the body.

Weight Loss

The weight lifting exercise program consists of using free weights or weights connected to a pulley system. Weight lifting exercises are generally done in sets of three with a set consisting of a number of repetitions. These exercises generally concentrate on particular parts of the body. Regardless of the weight lifted, the fact that the individual is involved in resistance exercising increases the calories burned and can contribute to weight loss.

Building of Muscle Tone

Often, when one thinks of weight lifting, the thoughts of being muscle-bound come to mind. However, nothing can be further from the truth. A weight lifting exercise program can incorporate the use of larger amounts of weight, resulting in adding muscle. Or, a weight lifter can exercise with less amounts of weight, the purpose being to build muscle tone

Strengthening of the Ligaments and Tendons

Often, as we increase in age, our ligaments and tendons lose their suppleness and elasticity. A weight lifting exercise program done consistently and responsibly, even in our advanced years, can help to keep these important ligatures exercised.

Additionally, the muscles, held to the bones by tendons, when exercised will maintain their strength and tone. The ligaments, which hold our bones to our bones, are also exercised and strengthened. Subsequently, the ensuing strengthening of the muscle will minimize the exertion placed on the tendons and ligaments which will result in the possibility of less strains and sprains. Exercising right is exercising safely.