Weight Training May Preserve You
By Tom Herrin
If you were going to begin some kind of a program to help improve your overall health as you age, chances are you would not think much about weight training. At one time, it might have been the last thing I would have thought about. As I have gotten older, I have realized that this is not such a far-fetched idea. As our society has begun to base more of its ideas on research and less on tradition, we have broadened our thinking and opened new avenues to better ways to support good health. We now know that weight training is a very successful way to do something that will likely help us to enjoy better health as we grow older.
We Can Be in Better Shape
While you may not think much about getting in better physical condition when you are older, that can be a mistake. Working with weights is a great way to boost your metabolism. As it does this, you will be able to burn more fat and build more muscle. This means that your body can use nutrients more efficiently. This can change your body from one that is soft and sagging in more places than you would like to one that is much more toned and trim. It may make you appear years younger.
We Can Take Care of Ourselves
One of the biggest concerns as most people grow older is whether or not they can maintain their independence. This is important for anyone. Once you feel that you have to rely on someone else to simply get around, it can be depressing. Working with weights can help to maintain strength so that those things that once seemed normal do not become less possible. Things such as getting up out of a chair and walking can be difficult for some. Maintaining strength can make it easier to do daily activities, and you will be much more likely to be able to care for yourself.
Protect Your Skeletal System
It is very common for older individuals to have problems with their bones and tissue that holds them together. It is known that weight-bearing exercise can help to strengthen the bones. Weight training can also help deal with arthritis as it can provide better mobility and less pain. I know this from personal experience. It is surprising just how much of a difference a good weight training program can make.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Indianapolis, Ind.