Does weightlifting increase bone density and strength?
Yes. studies have consistently shown that a weightlifting program will increase bone density and strength, and that training with greater intensity and heavier weights will do so more than training with lower intensity and lighter weights. These benefits have been seen regardless of the ages, sexes, and prior levels of training: Bone mineral content of junior competitive weightlifters. Virvidakis K, Georgiou E, Korkotsidis A, Ntalles K, Proukakis C. Int J Sports Med 1990 Jun;11(3):244-6 On the occasion of a recent Junior World Championship we measured, by single photon absorptiometry, BMC (Bone Mineral Content) in 59 young competitive male athletes (aged 15 to 20 years) from 14 countries. […] Our results suggest that junior competitive weightlifters have an increased BMC, well above the age-matched controls’ mean. It seems that the vigorous exercise of weightlifters tends to fade out any race or age-related BMC differences. The effects of progressive resistance training on bone densi
