Pump Iron for Youthful Skin: Weight Room Benefits Revealed
Weightlifting has been found to be more effective than aerobic training in rejuvenating the skin, according to a recent Japanese study. The study divided middle-aged women into two groups, one doing aerobic training and the other doing resistance training using weight machines. Both groups experienced improved skin elasticity and upper dermal structure, but the weightlifting group also had improved dermal thickness. Resistance training produced factors that increased the production of skin proteins, including biglycan, which is known to decrease with age. The study suggests that even less resistance training can have a positive effect on the skin, and recommends working the larger muscles of the body for an anti-inflammatory effect.
