Weightlifting should focus on strengthening all muscles, doctor advises

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Dr. Latsarizul Alfariq Senja Belantara, an orthopaedic and traumatology specialist from the University of Indonesia Hospital (RSUI), has reminded individuals practising weightlifting to focus on strengthening all muscles. According to him, when doing weightlifting, one should not concentrate on just one region but strive to strengthen all muscles to achieve body balance. “If you don’t achieve that balance, it will usually invite pain or discomfort in the sector or region of the body that isn’t strengthened. So don’t forget balance, strengthen all areas of the body,” he said in Jakarta on Thursday. Therefore, before starting weightlifting exercises, individuals need to understand how to determine the appropriate load, design a training programme, and apply correct movements or techniques. “If someone is confused, they may need help from an expert like a personal trainer to make the training safer,” he added. He highlighted a common complaint he encounters: patients who were previously unaccustomed to exercise, leaving their bodies unfit for such activity. For this reason, it is necessary to start with lower intensity exercise, including paddle sports, done regularly, and then gradually increase the intensity while maintaining consistency. Alfariq further explained that weightlifting imposes mechanical stress on bones, muscles, and joints. This stress triggers metabolic stimulation so that bones, joints, and muscles become stronger. It is important to remember that exercise provides stimulation that improves metabolism. “And when combined with good nutrition, the goal of strengthening the body through metabolism becomes more optimal and maximal,” he said.