“Is it advisable for a heavier person to start weight lifting?”
I am overweight and have just started going to the gym. The trainer has asked me to do some lifting. But does this pose an extra risk to my joints? I am 6'2" and 340 lb.
6 Answers
No, it's actually wonderful for your joints. Lower weight, higher rep.
Start light. Cardio exercises are especially good for weight loss. The pool is a good place to start.
No. It won’t hurt your joints. I would avoid impact activities until your weight has decreased. Avoid deep knee bends and listen to your body “if it hurts stop”.
Lower weights with higher repetitions. Heavier weights or being heavy does indeed stress your joints. Weight reduction is beneficial to your joints and overall health. Avoid high-impact activities - excessive running, jumping, etc. Low-impact - walking, bicycling, elliptical training or pool training. Stretching and flexibility program each day.
Weight lifting done incorrectly is always harmful and weight lifting done correctly is always helpful. It is your trainers job to make sure you are doing it correctly. You should begin with small weights and fewer repetitions, and increase gradually. Use proper technique.
It is always a routine recommendation that a healthy person over 45 years of age should have evaluation by your primary care physician prior to significantly increasing physical activity. See your PCP earlier if there are specific factors that increase risk of heart attack such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or family history of heart attack or stroke at age younger than 50.
It is always a routine recommendation that a healthy person over 45 years of age should have evaluation by your primary care physician prior to significantly increasing physical activity. See your PCP earlier if there are specific factors that increase risk of heart attack such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or family history of heart attack or stroke at age younger than 50.
Weight lifting can help your joints if you build up muscle around your joints - you may want to start off with light weight lots of repitition to tone muscles
