Weight Training May Help With Graceful Aging
By Tom Herrin
Many of us never really give much thought to growing older until it smacks us in the side of the head. Then we panic as we realize we probably should have done more to support good health in our lives. I once saw an interview with the great entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr., in which he jokingly said he would have taken care of himself better if he had known he would live so long. This doesn't always have to be the case because there are some things we can do in our older years to help. One of those things is weight training. Many people may think that statement must be made in jest, but it is very true.
Trim the Fat and Build Muscle
While your goal may not be to have big muscles, working with weights can be a good way to increase the metabolism. When it does this, you may be able to burn fat and gain more muscle. This can help your body to use the nutrients taken in to be more efficient. This may help you to avoid a look of being too soft. Even at older ages, we can get ourselves in better shape, and it can make a difference in the way we look and feel.
Keep Mental Health in Check
It is pretty common for older individuals to suffer from problems involving mental processing. We have all known someone who seems to have problems with memory. Another thing that happens all too often is depression. Working with weights may be able to help with both issues. Studies have shown that it may help with memory as well as being better able to perform mental tasks. As for depression, anytime we work out, our bodies release chemicals that can help fight depression.
Protect the Skeletal System
Many people have problems with their bones as they age. Some of this may be due to a loss of calcium, and there may be a variety of other reasons. Weight training has proven to be a successful way of increasing bone strength. It is also a good way to support better health for those who have arthritis. It may provide better mobility and reduce pain at the same time. I have tried this for my arthritis, and it is the best thing I have found as long as I do so on a regular basis.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sparks, Nev.