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Female baby boomers who as 20-somethings in the 1970's and 80s single handedly fueled a fitness revolution that sent ripples around the world. Aerobic classes and jogging were hugely popular complete with lycra leotards, head-bands and heaps of enthusiasm. It was all looked on as a lot of fun and was not done so much for the health aspect. But now those same 50 and 60 year old bodies need a whole lot more than 'fun' as physical activity is no longer just a choice of recreation, entertainment or fun, it is a very important health decision. If you are a woman who sat out that so-called fitness revolution, no need to worry - it is never too late to start a proper exercise program and reap the multitude of benefits it provides. People of the baby boomer generation witnessed the downward spiral of their parents and have no wish to follow in their footsteps but they need to do more than hope for a better model of aging. The facts are while baby boomers possess youngish attitudes about getting older they are a prosperous generation that has and still does enjoy many of the pleasures of life to excess. Living a sedentary lifestyle that includes not enough strengthening activity coupled with weight problems spell trouble for many baby boomer women. These factors increase the risk of all of the 'big three,' heart disease, cancer and diabetes along with many other conditions and disorders. We used to believe that the aging process could be blamed for a downward health spiral but now it has been well proven that most of the changes and health problems are because of a loss of precious muscle tissue. Typically after age 25-30, an astonishing one-half of a pound of muscle is lost each year. It may not be that noticeable as the space left by the disappearing muscle gets filled with body fat. It is this negative body composition (muscle/fat ratio) that is largely responsible for the declines in physical and mental performance. But the good news is these declines can be slowed and even reversed by a simple program of strength training exercise. Older people are not destined to become weaker and weaker with each passing year. They can remain strong and vital throughout their entire lifespan. This is significant scientific findings to arm baby boomers with information to stave off the aging process and they can thank research produced in the last 10 years on the value of proper strength training exercise. People who perform 2-3 sessions each week are stronger and more flexible and much less likely to fall and damage themselves. Strength training also preserves bone and joints so movement is easier, less stiff and painful. A stronger skeleton held together by strong muscles invariable leads to more physical activity. This in turn means that higher energy levels can be maintained along with better overall health that includes not only physical but mental and emotional health as well. The baby boomer generation has never been one to sit back and watch. They will likely force society to think differently about the issues surrounding the aging process and the way people deal with the final third of life. There is no way these people will accept that they must gradually lose function and become bedridden for years before the final event. Aging can be controlled and its effect can be minimized but it does mean taking action on their part but there is no doubt that they will bring a new attitude and enthusiasm to the process. They will always see themselves as looking, feeling and acting youthfully and will want to maintain that and be involved in their own self-health care.
Do you want to discover the secret to rejuvenating your body, regaining lost vitality and improving the quality of your life? Download my free ebook ''I Have Found the Fountain of Youth - Let Me Show You Too!" http://www.over50looking30.com Carolyn Hansen is a certified fitness expert and fitness center owner who in her nearly 30 years of fitness and bodybuilding competition experience she has helped thousands of people start their journey towards losing weight, becoming strong, fit and youthful at any age. Sign up for her free newsletter on Weight Loss Tips http://FitnessWeightloss.com and get her free report ''Discover ‘Secrets That Most People Will Never Know About To Really Lose Weight".
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