Feeling Older Than You Want To? How Strength Training Can Help You Stay Fit Longer

Posted on: 27 February 2018

As you age, your body goes through significant changes. Some of those changes include your bones and joints. If you don't take a proactive approach to those age-related changes, you can suffer serious consequences, including a loss of mobility and strength. One way to combat those changes is to keep physically fit. However, it's not just about getting out and taking daily walks. To truly stay healthy and fit as you age, you also need to add strength training to your fitness routine. That doesn't mean you need to start power-lifting, but it does mean you need to start building up your strength and endurance. Here are several benefits you'll receive from adding strength training to your fitness routine.

Prevent Muscle Deterioration

You might not realize this, but as you age, you begin to lose muscle mass. Unfortunately, the loss of muscle mass can lead to a loss of strength and a loss of stamina. Not only that, it can also lead to an increase in body weight. That's because building muscle reduces body fat. Unfortunately, if you're no longer building in muscle mass, you'll start building up on the fat reserves. To prevent muscle deterioration, you should be participating in strength training exercises several times a week.

Reduce Bone Loss

In addition to muscle loss, you also suffer from bone loss as you age. The loss of bone can increase your risk of fractures, which can be difficult to recover from, especially the older you get. One of the many benefits of strength training is that it can reduce bone loss and increase bone density. That means you'll have stronger bones, which will help reduce your risk of fractures.

Retain Joint Flexibility

You might have noticed that you're not as flexible as you once were. It might be difficult to bend over, or move the way you once did when you were younger. Unfortunately, losing your natural flexibility can be a real problem as you age. Luckily, a loss of flexibility doesn't have to be a part of the aging process, especially if you incorporate strength training into your exercise routine.

Improve Balance

As you age, you may start having a problem with balance. A loss of balance can lead to an increased risk of falls, which can then increase your risk of serious fractures. Trip and fall accidents tend to increase with age, which is partially related to the decrease in balance. You can help improve your balance by adding getting involved in a strength training program.

Don't let age get you down. Talk to your doctor about the benefits of getting involved in a strength training program.

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