The Surprising Benefits of Lifting Light Weights

New research suggests that weight training can be easy and still effective in building strength and muscle mass. Contrary to popular belief, lifting light weights can yield similar results to lifting heavy weights. A study involving middle-aged men and women found that both groups, one using heavy weights and the other using light weights, experienced improvements in muscular strength and mass. Another large-scale review of past research confirmed that any type and amount of weight training can lead to substantial gains in strength and muscle size. The key is to choose an approach that appeals to you and start slow, gradually increasing the weight and intensity as you progress.