Why Every Man Should Lift Weights

Avdi says on August 16th, 2006 at 8:51 am

I can vouch for the many benefits of weight lifting (I lifted last night and I STILL feel great); but I question the basic premise behind that post. Does weightlifting actually increase testosterone levels?

Gray Miller says on August 16th, 2006 at 8:59 am

I’d also have say that while I agree with the premise (I started a weightlifting program last April, and have loved the effects) I don’t really like the stated “goal”. I’m not certain that my focus, for example, is any better for weightlifting, or wouldn’t have been improved if I’d kept my other goal of meditating every day. I do feel healthier, and my body image is improved, but the way that author disparaged desk workers and held up Arnold as a role model really made me less inclined to lift, lest I be lumped in with that peer group.

I knew a lot of lifters in the Marines. Their magazines tended to feature ads that portrayed a post-Apocalyptic future where “only the strong will survive!” Then I would go into the field and see this selfsame idiots be unable to read a map, or run a radio, or make leadership decisions.

Give me a philosopher any day. I love lifting weights, but I don’t see it as a universal panacea for what ails ya.

And any reason women shouldn’t lift?

mamaloo says on August 16th, 2006 at 10:28 am

So, what about us women? What of the benefits for us? Do we also produce testosterone when we lift?

The one main thing for women is that weight-bearing excercise builds stronger bones, which is vitally important as women’s bones get brittle as they age, causing all manner of problems. (muscles pull on bones, bones get stronger in response)

In addition, weight lifting should be an integral part of any weight loss program. While you are working off the weight with lots of cardio and decreased calorie intake, the first place your body looks to strips the weight is from the muscles. By lifting weights you are building the muscles and telling your body you need them and that it should strip calories out of your fat stores.

Aaron L. M. Goodwin says on August 17th, 2006 at 10:45 am

Women should lift, just not too much because totally buff chicks are not hot!

Ok, sorry for that, but I too have seen the benefits of weight lifting. For me a benefit is a clear mind. I feel lifting helps me take out stress and I can have a clearer mind in that sense.

Xtina says on August 20th, 2006 at 4:12 pm

On the one hand, I read the essay, and I can see that Brian is coming from his point of view, that of a male’s. So of course, he will focus on lifting’s benefits to men.

On the other hand, yes, what about women? I love to lift weights, and have a personal goal to be able to do one pull-up under my own power (women tend to have more lower body strength, men have more the upper body strength, so I hear). Should I worry about my testosterone levels going up?

Ken Fehling says on September 28th, 2006 at 12:52 pm

I just saw on Digg that testosterone kills brain cells!

John says on January 23rd, 2007 at 2:57 am

Hi, I don’t agree that weightlifting is good for you. I used to lift weights and it’s only asking for injuries. Of course, maybe the amount of weights had something to do with it. Instead, these days, it’s all push-ups and sit-ups. Cheap, easy, no injuries. It’s the way nature intended. I’m not as strong as I used to be, but who cares. I feel better, look better (I think…) and never have a good excuse not to do them.

JT says on March 8th, 2007 at 9:14 am

I unfortunately become very agressive for about 3 hours after I lift weights, easily becoming angry if crossed. I am otherwise very mellow all the time (even more so when I drink). This leads me to believe that lifting does increase testosterone levels for at least a brief period of time.