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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Health
Madeleine Aggeler

Lift, rest, recover: how to start weightlifting

illustration of a woman exercising with different emojis around her
Strength training helps maintain balance and coordination, especially in older populations. Illustration: Carmen Casado/The Guardian

Human beings have always been obsessed with picking up heavy things. Lifting a heavy rock was reportedly a test of manhood in prehistoric tribes. In cultures across the globe, stone lifting became a sport and ceremonial practice. Today, you can test your strength with Louis Vuitton dumbbells or a kettlebell shaped like Bigfoot’s head.

Lifting something heavy is satisfying. And as more and more research shows, it can also be a key component of health and longevity.

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