Weightlifting Benefits and the Afterburn Effect

Afterburn Effect
Image: shape.com

Former machine operator Barry Baldwin served for decades as a bus operator for the New York City Transit Authority, during which time he received several safety awards. Outside of his professional work, Barry Baldwin enjoys staying active with activities that include walking, biking, and weightlifting.

Weightlifting, an activity that involves lifting heavyweights such as barbells, offers a wide range of health benefits. In addition to preventing injuries by improving bone density, weightlifting improves cardiovascular health, controls blood glucose levels, and enhances mental well being.

Weightlifting also helps with weight management by burning calories both during and after a workout. After lifting weights, an individual continues to burn calories as their body repairs itself. This physical state is known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption or the afterburn effect. Weightlifting breaks down muscle fibers, which the body then works to repair by taking in more oxygen while at an elevated metabolic rate. This physiological activity causes increased calorie burn even in a state of rest following weightlifting.

Safety Tips for Bus Drivers

Barry Baldwin | New York

Barry Baldwin is a retired New York Transit Authority bus operator with vast experience spanning almost three decades. Previously, Barry Baldwin worked as a machine operator at Chase Bank Manhattan mail room. He’s also a recipient of numerous safety awards for incident-free operations

Millions of city commuters rely on public transport buses to get them to where they need to go every day. This calls for bus drivers to exercise maximum caution as they are responsible for the safety of dozens of passengers aboard their buses. The following are key safety tips that every bus driver should keep in mind.

1. Even though bus drivers are expected to follow a strict time schedule, safety remains a top priority and should never be compromised for anything else.

2. Bus drivers should have a thorough knowledge of all their routes as well as alternative routes. GPS technology has made things easier, but it still makes sense to have an old-fashioned city map.

3. Stay updated with weather alerts as bad weather conditions can be dangerous for large vehicles such as buses. Bus drivers should have an idea of the day’s weather before assuming duty.

4. Keep distance when following other vehicles as buses require a longer braking distance compared to other regular vehicles.

5. Bus drivers should be mindful of their vehicle blind spots while on the road including when changing lanes.

6. Buses should be thoroughly inspected before resuming a route the following day. Check for any belongings that were left behind or look for anomalies in the interior of the bus including examining the seats.