Health Issues to Overcome

 As of June 2020, I was probably not in the best shape of my life.  In 2014, developed gout.  Looking at my 23andme data, I apparently hit the genetic jackpot for gout susceptibility.  Thankfully, cherry extract staves of gout attacks.  In 2017, I had my first child, then developed postpartum insomnia.  I treated it with homeopathic remedies and a lot of magnesium.  In the fall of 2017 early 2018, I started having joint pain in my fingers, plantar fasciitis, bursitis in both hips, etc.  Medical tests only showed elevated inflammation levels, like a 50-60 year old.  In 2019, I had my second child, and developed post-partum depression and a more severe case of insomnia.  Had to be treated with medications, but at least I can sleep better now.  

So exercising again, as daunting as it may have seemed with the joint issues, seemed like a great idea.  Except I could not walk as much as I otherwise would have liked.  I had to reduce it.  That's when I decided to focus my workouts on weightlifting instead of cardio.  It turns out that there are a lot of benefits to weightlifting I was unaware of before (see link for more details)...

* Lower abdominal fat. Apparently more effective than cardio!  If you want to be "toned" and have a lower body fat level, you have to lift weights. 

* Improves cardiovascular health. I used to think it was negligible compared to cardio,  but I was wrong.

* Controlled blood sugar levels

* Reduced cancer risk

* Reduced injury risks

* Strengthened mental health

* Improved flexibility and mobility

* Elevated body image.  If you're into that

* Osteoporosis prevention and management

* Boosted brain health

* Longer lifespan

One thing I noticed since shifting my focus to weightlifting around 4 weeks ago, was that it does not have to take as long as cardio workout sessions.  If I had limited time and could only choose the cardio or weightlifting sessions I would choose to do the weightlifting.  I would be able to build strength and muscle within a shorter period of time.

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