When it comes to longevity, weight training is the clear winner
In a recent episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show, host Mike O’Hearn engaged in a profound conversation with Stan Efferding, the esteemed IFBB Professional bodybuilder and world record holding Powerlifter. This discussion unearthed invaluable insights into the often-overlooked benefits of weightlifting and its profound impact on overall health and lifespan.
Stan Efferding’s credentials precede him, being one of only ten men worldwide to ever total over 2,300 pounds raw in competition. Dubbed as the World’s Strongest Bodybuilder, Efferding’s expertise extends beyond the gym, with a background in Exercise Science from the University of Oregon and over 25 years of experience training high school, collegiate, and professional athletes.
Efferding returns to the podcast this week to discuss the health benefits of weightlifting and how the larger health and science community are finally catching up with bigger health benefits of weightlifting.
While cardio exercise has long been seen as the optimum exercise for longevity and heart health – it is becoming clearer across the world that weightlifting is far more impactful to living longer with a better quality of life. Stan Efferding dives into the details – let’s jump in!
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Weightlifting: The Cornerstone of Health and Longevity
Central to the this episode’s conversation was Stan Efferding’s advocacy for weightlifting as a cornerstone of health and longevity. Contrary to conventional wisdom, which often prioritizes cardio exercise, Efferding underscored the equal if not superior benefits of weightlifting in promoting heart health, longevity, and overall well-being.
While cardio exercise has long been championed by the scientific community for its cardiovascular benefits, Efferding and O’Hearn have been steadfast advocates of weightlifting’s transformative effects. With mounting scientific evidence supporting their claims, the fitness industry’s pioneers are vindicated in their steadfast belief in the power of strength training.
Embracing a Paradigm Shift
Efferding’s insights challenge the prevailing notion that weightlifting is secondary to cardio, advocating for a paradigm shift in how we approach fitness. By recognizing weightlifting as a primary exercise modality, individuals can unlock a myriad of health benefits, ranging from improved cardiovascular health to enhanced strength and longevity.
Studies are increasingly showing that weightlifting provides excellent cardiovascular results comparable to cardio exercise. In addition to this, weightlifting or resistance training is essential as we age to strengthening connective tissue – thus making us more “durable” as we age.
The age old phrase, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” does not need to be the norm. The more consistently we exercise with resistance training, the more capable we remain in elder years.
And now that science is finding that weightlifting also has the added benefit of cardiovascular health comparable to cardio exercise – it is the clear winner in how you should prioritize your (potentially limited) exercise time.
The Convergence of Science and Experience
The convergence of scientific research and experiential knowledge underscores the significance of niche fitness industries like bodybuilding and strength sports. Stan Efferding’s journey exemplifies how expertise forged in the crucible of these disciplines can illuminate new paths to optimal health and performance.
Bodybuilding, powerlifting, and other strength sports have championed weightlifting’s health benefits for decades. While certainly these sports and industries also have a passion for superhuman strength and physiques – the main tenets behind weightlifting remain true.
While data driven evidence is important for verifying facts, experience is also a factor. Perhaps many of the habits or techniques that bodybuilders developed were not based in science but rather in experience. But that experience showed consistent results in the long term. Science is now catching up to this experience and finding data to support it.
Stan Efferding Call to Action
As Efferding aptly notes, while cardio exercise remains a valuable component of fitness routines, weightlifting serves as the linchpin that amplifies its benefits. It’s time for the world to recognize weightlifting’s pivotal role in promoting longevity and embrace it as a cornerstone of holistic health. This does not mean you have to throw away cardio completely. In fact, Stan Efferding admits that he still does cardio. However, he emphasizes that the general public must stop under-evaluating weightlifting. Often seen as a “meathead” activity.
- Weightlifting can help improve the outcome from cardiovascular exercise.
- Weightlifting is essential to longevity
- Weightlifting as something essential to weight loss and overall health
Wrap Up
The Mike O’Hearn Show‘s riveting conversation with Stan Efferding offers a compelling narrative on the transformative power of weightlifting in fostering health and longevity. As the fitness landscape evolves, Efferding’s insights serve as a beacon guiding individuals towards a future defined by strength, vitality, and resilience.
You can watch the full episode above. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
