# Why don’t you lift weights? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Tags:** diet-weight-loss\ **Created:** [August 15, 2020, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144 "2020-08-15T01:48:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2020, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/81 "2020-08-17T17:10:00Z")
I don’t like them because I’m oldish (58). Now when I lift weights, I’m freaking sore forever! When I do push-ups my shoulders are killing me forever. When I do skull-crushers, I can’t straighten my arms for a week. In the olden days weightlifting soreness felt ‘good’ in way. I mean it hurt; but it felt like I had accomplished something. Now, I’m just miserable. 😑 ---
**Author:** ![Hermitian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hermitian/32/470_2.png) [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2020, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/82 "2020-08-24T14:21:41Z")
Just remember. If you lift the weights up and put them back down, you have done no work. Why are you so sweaty **Dr\_Paprika?** ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2020, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/83 "2020-08-24T15:38:22Z")
Mainly because it’s been north of 90 most of the summer here. Too hot to work. Might as well get in shape after processing pandemic pounds, pal. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2020, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/84 "2020-08-24T22:31:29Z")
[I lift things up and put them down.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7gzmoqmL7g) ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/85 "2022-01-22T18:16:42Z")
An NYT article. > **[Keeping Aging Muscles Fit Is Tied to Better Heart Health Later (Published 2020)](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/29/well/move/keeping-aging-muscles-fit-is-tied-to-better-heart-health-later.html)** > > For men at least, entering middle age with plenty of muscle may lower the later risk of developing heart disease by more than 80 percent. Having muscle when middle aged may reduce risk of heart problems by eighty percent. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/86 "2022-01-22T18:42:16Z")
My current excuse is that I’m too old and creaky. But I did lift weights for a time when I was much younger. I had a weightlifting bench and a set of weights down in the basement, and it was really good for my strength and overall fitness. It toned up the upper body really nicely. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/87 "2022-01-22T18:58:27Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > So, why don’t you lift weights? That’s an easy one. Because I don’t want to. ---
**Author:** ![DMC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dmc/32/18049_2.png) [@DMC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMC)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/88 "2022-01-22T19:41:29Z")
I went most of my life cardio centric, predominantly organic via basketball and the like, but after getting COPD, my pulmonologist recommended I start doing weight training to avoid muscle atrophy. Since I wanted to avoid gyms during the pandemic (COPD and CoVID aren’t particularly good friends), I started going to a place called [The Exercise Coach](https://exercisecoach.com/) since it was a bit of a different setup. It is always 1 on 1 with a trainer and they have no issues with people who have zero foundation to start with. It’s also just me and the trainer in the small gym area, as they schedule 1 person per 20 minute session. It’s not particularly cheap, but 6 months later I’m still going regularly, so they’re doing something right. ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/89 "2022-01-22T20:05:39Z")
I bought a new Solo flex waaay back in the 80’s. Used it many years to the point of wearing out the resistance bands, well not the 100 lbers, but the 5,10 and 25’s. I could work all the muscle groups and get a nice workout. Then I lost interest in it when kids came. Too busy etc etc. I loaned/ stored the soloflex with a friend, but I did start in yoga again and added Pilates classes. It got me out of the house and into a better bod. Eventually the studio changed hands and my favorite yogi’s moved on. I missed the solo flex. Rather than ask for my old one to be returned after many years (it was well used & had the original wooden seat) I found a newer one with more attachments on Craigslist. Bought it for $75. It’s in a back room waiting on us to finish up the master bedroom makeover. I swear I’m going to get in place this month! ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/90 "2022-01-22T20:08:53Z")
I’ve been doing strength training with a personal trainer over Google meet since the pandemic began. It’s only once a week, but it’s been great. And thanks to whoever it was above who helped me find weights. I now have 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 pounds weights, asking with an assortment of bands and stuff… ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/91 "2022-01-22T21:23:29Z")
Weights are perfectly happy to not be lifted. And they complain a lot when you do lift them. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/92 "2022-01-22T21:35:01Z")
An object at rest tends to remain unstressed. An object in motion tends to complain. Commotion? ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/93 "2022-01-22T22:17:25Z")
> **[When the Last Thing You Want to Do Is Exercise (Published 2022)](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/19/well/move/habits-motivation-exercise.html)** > > Bundle your incentives. Be flexible. Get some support. Here’s how to get — and stay — motivated. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/94 "2022-01-22T22:35:21Z")
> [@snfaulkner](#): > > Weights are perfectly happy to not be lifted. And they complain a lot when you do lift them. - You’re projecting. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/95 "2022-01-22T22:39:24Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > So, why don’t you lift weights? They seem fine where they are. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/96 "2022-01-22T22:39:50Z")
> [@snfaulkner](#): > > Weights are perfectly happy to not be lifted. And they complain a lot when you do lift them. Boy, you’re gonna carry that weight, carry that weight, a long time… ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/97 "2022-01-22T22:41:43Z")
I don’t have an NYT subscription. Is there a link to whatever research supposedly shows an 80% reduction in “heart disease” due to having “plenty of muscle” entering middle age? And is there significant cardiovascular benefit after that point? Did they adequately control for other forms of physical activity? I picked up a weight in the exercise center of the motel we stayed at recently. And put it back down. Treadmilling, boring though it is, seemed like more fun. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/98 "2022-01-22T22:42:09Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > > [@snfaulkner](#): > > > > Weights are perfectly happy to not be lifted. And they complain a lot when you do lift them. > > Boy, you’re gonna carry that weight, carry that weight, a long time… - You have to [walk the walk.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fkzk_RqlYig) ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/99 "2022-01-22T22:51:57Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > > [@snfaulkner](#): > > > > Weights are perfectly happy to not be lifted. And they complain a lot when you do lift them. - > > You’re projecting. I was told _“no pain, no gain.”_ I shrugged and accepted the offer. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144/100 "2022-01-22T23:47:55Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > I picked up a weight in the exercise center of the motel we stayed at recently. And put it back down. Treadmilling, boring though it is, seemed like more fun You and i are different. I feel some minor satisfaction lifting weights. I get bored walking in my neighborhood, where there’s stuff to look at. I have never been able to bring myself to spend more than 2-3 minutes on a treadmill. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-don-t-you-lift-weights/918144.md?page=6)