Weightlifting Benefits Debate

The cluster discusses the health benefits, risks, and effectiveness of weightlifting and strength training (e.g., squats, deadlifts, StrongLifts, Starting Strength), often comparing it to bodyweight exercises like pushups and pullups.

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Keywords

StrongLifts RPE OK youtu.be DL startingstrength.com E.g lifting weights strength fitness weight lift training muscle exercises movement

Sample Comments

return0 Dec 15, 2016 View on HN

what about strength training/weightlifting?

jononomo Nov 22, 2023 View on HN

You should get into weightlifting.

gorena Oct 15, 2015 View on HN

Sorry, you're totally correct - this assumes someone that isn't performing strength-based exercise!

morgengold Jul 10, 2023 View on HN

Why are Squats with weights “unhealthy”?

jb1991 Jun 14, 2024 View on HN

Why the emphasis on lifting weights vs. pushups or pullups? Is there a different effect from actually using weights?

swah Jun 26, 2025 View on HN

Why not lifting, with machines and reasonably?

rokhayakebe Jun 10, 2011 View on HN

Or lift weights. It has more benefits.

makeset Aug 13, 2016 View on HN

As a competitive powerlifter (and certified personal trainer) I should caution that there is an important difference between general strength training using the squat/bench/deadlift and the actual sport of powerlifting. Powerlifting involves not only doing competitions, but also training specifically for them using maximal weights, which considerably increases the risk of injury with no training benefit other than temporary competition readiness (peaking).Unfortunately, sexy as it s

whoa this seems a bit dangerous and flies in the face of what we get drilled into us since children about weightlifting. Do you have any authoritative source for this?

bmj Jul 10, 2023 View on HN

Strength training !== bulking upHigh (comparative) weight + low reps builds strength (and muscle recruitment) without (necessarily) building lots of new muscle fibers. Muscle hypertrophy happens most often with lower weights and higher repetitions, plus loads of calories. A program like "Starting Strength" is not about hypertrophy.Any exercise is potentially "unhealthy," particularly if it requires specialized movements. You can learn proper form for "base"