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You can look better, feel better, and be more energetic through strength training exercise. This type of proper exercise can add years to your life and, just as importantly, it can improve the quality of your life. Those with weaker bodies are more likely to suffer the challenges of age much sooner and with much more impact than those who have taken the time to take care of their strength and fitness. The list of life compromising effects of age without strength and fitness is extensive with over 50 illnesses, diseases and conditions that can be linked back to a sedentary or inactive lifestyle. The only type of exercise that meets the needs of the muscular requirements of us humans is strength training exercise. Strength training was once shunned by women who believed they would get bulkier yet this is unlikely to happen as only a few men and women have the potential to add large amounts of muscle. If you are concerned about becoming bulky look to your body fat percentage as this is what makes us larger as well as heavier. Women can increase strength with a only tiny increases in muscle size compared to men. These tiny amounts of muscle tissue are what give the body shape and firmness and make you look better. It does not take hours in the gym each week to get great results either. Just 2-3 sessions each week of 30-40 minutes is all it takes to produce an improvement in all-over body strength. While many people exercise for cosmetic benefits, the health benefits are considerable, and far more important. Increased bone density. Osteoporosis studies confirm what has been suspected for years –strong muscles keep the bones strong as well. Women who have undergone strength training have been able to significantly increase bone density reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Better protection of joints, connective tissue and range of motion. You can keep your joints protected by exercising the muscles around those joint which help hold them firm. Often achy knees can be improved by simply using strength training exercises that target the lower body and legs. Increased muscle tissue and increased strength. That old saying, if you don't use it you lose it. As adults we lose about 10 ounces of lean muscle tissue a year after the age of 30.
If we don't use the muscles regularly the body has no need to keep them sitting around doing nothing. Your body simply adapts to the demands or lack of demands placed on it. Proper strength training can reverse this muscle loss better than other forms of exercise.
Aerobic type exercise such as walking or jogging can not match muscle toning exercise which can even cause further weakening of the muscular system.
Enjoy lower body fat, higher metabolism and lower blood sugar. Each pound of muscle lost means a lower metabolic rate of 50 to 70 calories per day. A lower metabolism means less fat burning and a greater tendency to add body fat which increases the risk of the "big three" heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Strength training will keep your immune system functioning well to reduce disease risk as healthy muscle mass means a healthy immune system.
You can see from these benefits there is much to be gained from strength training. It is best to seek the help of a fitness professional to set up your program and teach you how to perform it properly and safely. Within a few weeks you will start to feel and look so good you will wish you had started years ago.
Do you want to discover the secret to rejuvenating your body and improving the quality of your life? Download my free ebook "I've Found the Fountain of Youth- Let Me Show You Too!" here: Fountain of Youth or come visit me at Fitness Weight Loss
Carolyn Hansen is a certified fitness expert and fitness center owner who coaches clients to look and feel younger.
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