Age and Weights May Be a Healthy Combination
By Tom Herrin
At one time, I thought that the last person I would see working out with weights was someone who was advanced in age. The fact is that older individuals may actually need to do so even more than someone who is much younger. We are living in a time in which we do more research and less clinging to longstanding misperceptions. Where we once formed opinions based on our own biases about a given situation, we now take a closer look at what we are capable of doing and why. As a result, it is now known that older people can reap great benefits from participating in weight training.
Weight Training May Turn Muscle Loss Around
As we age, it often becomes obvious that we lose muscle. This is a natural process, but working with weights can help to increase the efficiency of the muscles. As the muscles are used and developed, they will make better use of energy sources. Working with weights can also help to burn more body fat. As a result, we may be able to return to some of that youthful form we once had. I am a little older myself and can tell lots of difference in my own shape when I am involved in more lifting. In a matter of weeks, I notice a significant improvement.
Using Weights May Improve Our Independence
The last thing that most of us want is to give up some of our own ability to take care of ourselves and depend on others. Working with weights can improve muscle strength and help us to be able to support our own body weight better. Getting up and down as well as moving around can be a challenge as we get older, and this may be one of the best ways to counter that. In studies, two or three months of weight training has been shown to improve our flexibility in all of our joints.
Weights May Help Deter Depression
As we age, many of us tend to have issues with our overall mental and emotional outlook. Depression can make us sick and keep us that way. A regular routine of weight training has been shown in studies to be able to support better mental health. Even a few sessions may help to improve our outlook and keep us more upbeat, and that is worth a lot.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Gilbert, Ariz.