Weightlifting is an intense sport that can take a toll on your muscles, bones and joints. Although weightlifting can help prevent injuries by building your strength, but KidsHealth.org also notes that if you are not yet fully grown, weightlifting could cause strains or permanent damage. For this reason, using supplements such as glucosamine may be beneficial. You should consult a doctor before using any supplements and before starting an exercise plan.
Benefits of Weightlifting
Although weightlifting poses potential risks such as muscle strains and pulls, the sport offers many health benefits. As BodybuildingForYou.com explains, weightlifting can help you gain muscle mass and strength, lose fat, reduce fatigue and improve bone strength. Weightlifting can also have aesthetic benefits, as it helps improve your body composition.
Glucosamine
As MayoClinic.com explains, glucosamine is naturally found in your cartilage and supports the strength of cartilage structure. MayoClinic.com notes that glucosamine is often used to treat osteoarthritis, as supplementation of this substance may strengthen cartilage and help spur the production of structural components of cartilage.
Glucosamine and Strength
The effectiveness of glucosamine for treating osteoarthritis has been shown in several studies, such as one published in the February 2010 issue of the journal "Arthritis Research & Therapy". Other research suggests that glucosamine may have benefits specific to athletes engaging in weightlifting. A study from the January 2010 issue of "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage" found that glucosamine supplementation halted cartilage breakdown in strength training athletes, which could help maintain the strength of your joints when participating in resistance training.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Although glucosamine and chondroitin are commonly used in combination for treatment of joint problems such as osteoarthritis, evidence suggests that you can support your weightlifting efforts more effectively with glucosamine alone. A study published in the August 2010 issue of the "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases" found that glucosamine was more effective at reducing pain than a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin. (See References 6)
References
- Kids Health: Strength Training
- BodybuildingForYou.com: Weight Lifting Benefits - Top 10 Reasons for Weight Lifting
- Mayo Clinic: Glucosamine
- "Efficacy of a Progressive Walking Program and Glucosamine Sulphate Supplementation on Osteoarthritic Symptoms of the Hip and Knee; N.T. Ng, K.C. Heesch, W.J. Brown; February 2010
- "Osteoarthritis & Cartilage"; Glucosamine But Not Ibuprofen Alters Cartilage Turnover in Osteoarthritis Patients in Response to Physical Training; S.G. Peterson et al.; January 2010
- "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases"; Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulphate, their Combination, Celecoxib or Placebo Taken to Treat Osteoarthritis of the Knee: 2-Year Results from GAIT; A.D. Sawitzke et al.; August 2010
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