Weight Training May Do Wonders for Aging
By Tom Herrin
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As we grow older, it is common for us to be concerned about just how well we can manage the aging process. It is inevitable, but there are things we may be able to do to preserve our health and, possibly, improve it. One of those that many of us may not have considered is weight training. For sure, many of us probably get an image in our minds of someone who participates in this as having bulky muscles with perspiration dripping off of them, and this doesn't fit well with our ideas of aging. Newer studies have shown that weight training can do lots of things for older adults.
Burn Fat and Build Strength
Working with weights can help us to avoid that image we may have of others we may know who have added fat and lost muscle. They sag in places they once were trim. Using weights can help to ramp up the metabolism and burn more fat. It can help us to build strength at the same time. This can help to improve posture as our muscles begin to do a better job overall. As our metabolism becomes more efficient, our bodies will be better able to utilize the nutrients we take in.
Remain Independent
For the most part, no one wants to have to depend on others to take care of everyday needs. When we do weight training, we will be able to keep up not only our strength, but we will also be able to maintain better coordination. Ordinary activities such as standing up and walking will not become too much of a challenge. If we can still do simple tasks around the home and manage our daily routine, we will be far more likely to maintain our independence. That is big as we grow older.
Protect Bones
It is far too common for us to see our bones weaken as we age. Some of this may be due to a loss of calcium, but there are some other causes as well. Working with weights is known to help to improve bone density and strength. It can also help to deal with the effects of arthritis by helping us to have greater mobility and less pain. This is one I know for a fact from personal experience. It helps me with a problem as long as I stay on a good schedule of such exercise.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Gold River, Calif.