One of the best
ways to relieve stress is to exercise, and one of the best forms of exercise
may surprise you. It's lifting weights. If you lift weights, lift
them properly, and take very few breaks, the workout is actually one where you
can get an excellent cardiovascular workout. It can also help you build
muscle at the same time. Here's the really great part about it. As
you build muscle, the actual muscle mass will help you burn calories by
increasing your basal metabolic rate; your metabolism. Of course, there are
certain tips that you need to know if you're going to lift. The American
Academy of Family Physicians offers many suggestions for safe
weightlifting. Some of the key points: keep your back straight when
lifting, always ask someone to spot you when lifting very heavy weights, and
limit each set of muscles to only three workouts a week. Obviously, you
need to clear it with a physician before you begin such a program.
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