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Are you aware that there is a tried and true remedy that really can counter and even reverse the aging process? It is strength training exercise and has been well proven to be the answer to renewed vitality and youthfulness. Without question, no other physical activity has more of a beneficial impact on your overall health and well being. Unfortunately, there are those who still believe that strength training is reserved for buffed young hard bodies with bulging biceps and six-pack abdominals. Rest assured, however, strength training exercise is not just for bodybuilders: it is for everyone. No matter what your age or present physical condition, strength training will help to improve the quality of your life. If you are still not convinced of this fact, let us look more closely at just what strength training can do: 1.) Increases strength: After the mid 20's sedentary individuals lose as much as one half pound of their muscle tissue per year. Consequently, their ability to perform everyday tasks and activities is reduced as properly functioning bodies need strong muscles. If muscle tissue is allowed to continue to be lost the end results are frailty, weakness and loss of function. This means somebody else has to help you with everything from getting out of a chair to feeding and dressing yourself. If we each take responsibility for keeping our own strength we will not have to place this burden on others in the future. 2.) Increases bone density: As our muscles are attached to our bones only when muscles are worked against a resistance does it place a load on the bones as well. This is what is needed to keep our bones strong and healthy. We often take the strength of our bones for granted as we can't see them but, not enough muscle building and maintaining activity results in bone thinning which leads to the brittle bone disease osteoporosis. One can only imagine the pain and suffering that bones so brittle they can break from a simple sneeze would bring. By promoting new bone mineral formation with strength training exercise, bone density gradually improves. Over time, osteoporosis can be completely reversed, resulting in strong, healthy bones. It is important to note that only strength training exercise that places the muscular system of the body under a load can give these health benefits. Recreational activities like walking, jogging or cycling are a great addition to an active lifestyle but will do little to contribute to working the muscles through their full ranges of movement under a load which is the catalyst for strong muscles and bones. 3.) Elevates metabolism (your body's engine): Muscle is the most metabolically active bodily tissue burning an extra 50 odd calories for each additional pound of muscle tissue a day at rest. By gaining a mere five pounds of muscle, calorie burning is increased by 250 calories a day, seven days a week. This is what will keep you slim and trim.
Conversely, cardio type activity mainly burns fuel (calories) during the session and there is little to no impact on resting metabolic rate.
4.) Youthful posture: Your posture says a lot about you and poor posture causes you to slouch, contributing to a tired, old look. But you need strong muscles to hold your skeleton in a tall upright manner that projects a youthful exuberance. Fortunately, strength training exercise can do wonders for your posture. 5.) Improve your self image: As the saying goes, "When you look good, you feel good." Whether you are young or old, thin or overweight, several months of strength training will transform you. By promoting a lean, firm and toned body with a self esteem to match you will most definitely be defying the aging process.
Do you want to discover the secret to rejuvenating your body and improving the quality of your life? Download my free ebook "Ive Found the Fountain of Youth- Let Me Show You Too!" here: Secrets To Longevity For Free Fitness Report here 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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