Latest issue of HealthU, a free quarterly magazine published by Hackensack Meridian Health, has a one-page article on self-improvement about the benefits of weight training. I have some weights at home which I use in exercise Monday through Friday. I have a brief routine (10 minutes or less) which I’ve been doing since I went to work for UPS in 2004, a job which requires heavy lifting. I’m 67 years old now and retired from UPS, but I continue with this routine. The HealthU piece caught my eye because it helps to explain why I do strength training. Here, briefly, are five benefits of strength training according to the magazine.
1. Increased muscle mass
2. Improved metabolism
3. Improved bone health
4. Decreased injury risk
5. Reduced symptoms
Knowing these pluses of weight or strength training aids self-understanding for anyone so engaged. Also, I remind readers that strength training may be done without weights. One can use his or her body, your own weight, to get stronger, in workouts with push-ups or pull-ups.
In closing, remember this advice from apostle Paul. “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Tim 4:8, NIV). The human body is a temple for the Spirit of God, so stay in shape.
Online Resources
Fall 2023 issue of HealthU
Original article, Five Benefits of Strength Training (Sept. 6, 2023) by Katrina A. Dy [physical therapist]
Additional information on each of the five benefits is given, together with instruction on how to start weightlifting.
Paul's Place for Writing 
Amen! We have to care for God’s temple.
Thanks for reading, Jacquie. Yes, we do have to care for our bodies, temples of God. Our God-given abilities to walk or run or wave our arms, etc., all could be useful in doing God’s will.
You know Paul, I was just reading this week in one of our MS magazines how we could benefit from weight training. They talked about it helping with osteoporosis. I never knew that. Good info. Thanks! 🙂
Hi Ellie, thanks for reading. I have osteoporosis and also didn’t know for sure that weight training might help. Katrina Dy, in her article, says, “Strength training has been linked to an increased rate of bone formation and greater bone density.” Now I know that gaining muscle strength helps our bones. Let us always have faith in God.