Health Tip: Exercise With Weights

(HealthDay News) — Strength training with weights may help your muscles and overall health. But it’s important to train safely and wisely.

The Harvard Medical School offers these tips:

Take five to 10 minutes before your workout to walk around and warm up. After working out, cool down with gentle stretching.
Pay more attention to your form than the weight you are lifting. Move slowly with proper alignment and technique.
Count to three as you raise and lower each lift to make sure you are lifting at an appropriate tempo. Exhale as you lift, and inhale as you release.
Gradually increase weight to challenge your body.
Allow your muscles to rest for at least 48 hours between workouts.