Weight Training May Put the Brakes on Aging
By Tom Herrin
When Ponce de Leon was looking for a fountain of youth, he expected to find something that produced a magic potion that actually turned back the clock for anyone who drank from it. He was obviously bitterly disappointed when he failed to find it. Our desire for a return to youth is understandable. We all yearn for the days when we were unlimited by some of the things that tend to impose on our lives as we age. The good news is that we can do some things to help our cause. It has been discovered that weight training can have a positive impact on many of us as we age.
Keep a Fitter Look
As we age, our bodies tend to lose muscle. Some of this is likely from a lack of use. Too many of us accept aging as a natural process that we can do little about. We actually have much more control over our bodies than that. Participating in weight training can help to increase the metabolism. This can help to burn fat and enable the body to be more efficient in making use of the nutrients that are taken in. As a result, we can increase muscle mass and strength as well.
Protect the Heart
We all know that the work of the heart is critical in our health. Weight training is a good way to lower blood pressure to good numbers. It can also help to raise good cholesterol and lower both bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Strengthening the heart muscle can allow more blood to be moved with less effort. This means that, in the whole scheme of things, it can be much more efficient. This is obvious as you find yourself to be less winded in subsequent days or working out.
Continue to Care for Yourself
It is too common for people to lose independence as they age. Some of it is legitimately due to the fact that they have serious health issues, but some of it could be avoided. Weight training can help us to maintain better mental function so that we can make good decisions and operate simple things. We can also walk unassisted and do things around our homes. Going grocery shopping can become monumental when we lose some of our abilities, but weight training may help us to maintain our strength to be able to do it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Kennesaw, Ga.