Pumping Jean

When you pump iron, your muscles grow with gratitude. But it may be your heart that really owes you a special thanks for lifting weights. New research says that strength training like lifting weights lower LDL cholesterol.

The researchers had one group of middle aged ladies lift weight for one hour, three times a week, for five months. Another group continued their exercise program but did not lift any weights. Cholesterol tests before and after the five-month period showed that the women who lifted weights had significant drops in both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. the group that did not lift weights had much smaller declines in cholesterol readings.

Researchers think there is a potential for reducing heart disease risk through resistance training. The weightlifters lowered their body fat while boosting their fat free muscle. If you have access to a gym, include some weightlifting exercise in your workout. The repetitions will improve your cholesterol reading.