Advantages of weight training:
- Helps in getting good shape: Weight training is an extraordinary training. This is full of magic because it can shape up all people by using appropriate schedules (and sometimes appropriate diet). Fat people can become trim and slim, people can put on weight if so desired. The weak can become strong and the strong can become stronger. The slower can become speedier and the ponderous can become more dynamic. In fact, weight training helps individuals in getting the entire body in good shape. It is beneficial not only for upper body but lower body also.
- Best means of providing fitness: Weight training has a major advantage over other means of fitness. It takes less time, except for throwers and competitive weightlifters who need longer sessions. Optimum gains can be made by spending just one hour, three times a week in weight training gymnasium. It enhances all the components of health related fitness such as muscular strength and body composition.
- Helpful in enhancing athletic performance: A perfect weight training programme is helpful in enhancing athletic performance. The advantages of strength training to athletic performance are enormous. Weight training is one of the most significant components of conditioning programme for runners, throwers, jumpers, wrestlers, boxers and players of football, basketball and other games.
- Best means to develop strength: Today weight training is considered as the best means of securing strength but it requires proper guidance of coaches and expert physical trainers. The weight training exercises have value but have to be done carefully and systematically. In fact, there is no other better means to improve strength, speed and endurance for application to all sports and to all walks of life than by training with weights.
- Increases bone density: Weight training helps in increasing bone density. Research studies which have been conducted in this field indicate that the risk of osteoporosis is lower for the individuals who perform weight training exercises at least three times a week.
- Reduces stress and tension: Weight training is also advantageous for reducing stress and tension.
Disadvantages of Weight Training:
No doubt weight training has various advantages, on the other hand it has some disadvantages too, which are stated below:
- Risk of injuries: While performing weight training, there is always a risk of getting injuries specially when performing exercise without any companion. Whenever you are not able to perform the required repetitions of exercise, at that critical movement if you are alone you may be injured. So you should always have a companion or supporter with you in case the worst happens. In addition you should perform weight training under expert physical trainer.
- Less flexibility: Weight training reduces the level of flexibility if flexibility, exercises are not done along with weight training. However this is a mild or little disadvantage in comparison to many advantages. If flexibility exercises are performed persistently it will be negligible.
