Include Weight Training in Planning as You Age
By Tom Herrin
Many of us really don't give much thought to aging issues until we are suddenly faced with it. At times, this can be too little, too late. In many cases, however, we can still do things to help us enjoy better health as we grow older. Even though it may not seem like a logical thing for us, one of the suggestions that have been brought to light in recent years is to become involved in weight training. Studies have shown that it may be a positive way to improve our health in many ways as we age.
Keep Your Independence
Another major concern for many individuals is losing their ability to care for themselves. We may take it for granted until we suddenly have problems taking care of what once seemed to be mundane activities. If we have to have someone else help us stand and walk or do other common activities, it can be frustrating. It can have a serious effect on our self-confidence. Weight training has proven to be a way to help us to maintain much of our strength and allow us to continue to care for ourselves. Not only can we preserve strength, but we may also keep our responses sharp.
Protect Your Heart
While most of us are aware that exercise can help to keep our hearts in better shape, too many times we simply fail to act on it. Weight training can help to keep blood pressure at desired levels. It can also raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides. When we combine this with the fact that we are strengthening our hearts and helping it to do more work for less effort, we can expect good results.
Support Better Bone Health
In recent years, there has been more attention to loss of bone density in many people as they age. Some of it is due to a loss of calcium, but some is due to a variety of other causes. Participating in weight-bearing exercises is now known to be an effective way to strengthen bones and improve density. Weight training is also known to be a good way to help those who suffer from arthritis by improving mobility and reducing pain. I can attest to this myself. If you do it regularly, it helps consistently.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Redlands, Calif.