Using Weights as We Age May Preserve Us
By Tom Herrin
Chances are the image most of us have of someone who works with weights is someone in tights, dripping with perspiration and having big muscles. That image is probably thanks to the media we have seen. Lifting weights is not always about giving us that bodybuilder image but simply helping to protect our muscles and our strength. In truth, those who work with weights may look just like anyone else but with good posture and a little bit of toning. Even as we age, we can gain plenty of benefits from participating in weight training. It may be one of the best things we can do as we get older to help maintain our health and physical ability.
Improve the Heart and Circulatory System
We all know that it is important to do everything possible to support our cardio. Working with weights can help to strengthen the heart and lower blood pressure. It can also help to raise our levels of good cholesterol and lower both our bad cholesterol and triglycerides. It is additionally known to decrease inflammatory molecules that can contribute to a variety of health problems related to the heart.
Maintain Better Mental Function
As we age, it is pretty common for us to have some reduced mental abilities. This may be for quite a few reasons, but working with weights has shown to be a way we can help slow this decline, or even improve some mental operations. Weight training has been effective in helping older individuals to have less depression and have greater self-esteem. Along with this, weight training has been promising in helping people to improve memory. This may be a great way of deferring many of the obvious signs of aging that people often see.
Keep Quality of Life High
When we are less able to care for ourselves independently, it is very difficult. Participating in weight training is known to help us to continue with the daily tasks that can frustrate us if we struggle. Retaining our ability to stand and walk at any time is important. Simply taking care of daily activities such as light cleaning, operating appliances, and picking things up can become a chore for some. If we can continue to have the physical ability to do these things involved in caring for ourselves, we can keep experiencing quality.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pickerington, Ohio.