Weight Training Is Surprisingly Good for Older Adults
By Tom Herrin
As we grow older, there are many stereotypes we may have in our minds. A lot of them have to do with loss of physical and mental abilities. While there is some validity to these things, there are plenty of things we can do to keep ourselves from going down a path of deterioration. One that we may not have considered is weight training. It is actually something that may be very helpful to us as we age. If you only think of weight training as something for those who are serious about bodybuilding, you have missed the mark. Weight training is much more and can help us at any age, particularly when we are older.
Stay Fit
Just because we age does not mean that we have to look like we are physically incapable of doing anything. Weight training can help to increase the metabolism. This can do more burning of fat as well as do a more efficient job of converting nutrients to muscle. We may not end up looking like the classic bodybuilder, but we may be able to keep ourselves in reasonably good shape. Better muscle tone and mass can help to improve posture and strength.
Keep the Heart and Circulatory System Healthy
Weight training can help to manage blood pressure and reduce both numbers. It can also raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Anytime we do something that strengthens the heart, it can pump more blood with less effort. According to one study, adults who were 65 and older and participated in weight training at least two times per week had a dramatic reduction in their mortality rate.
Take Care of Yourself Longer
Many of us fear a time in which we will be unable to care for ourselves. It may happen slowly, or it may be upon us suddenly. Some of this is due to the fact that we have physical limitations that may be due to loss of strength. Weight training may help us to be able to stand up from sitting and walk better. If we can walk with less possibility of falling, we can be more likely to care for ourselves. This can also improve our strength so that we can do simple things such as taking care of light cleaning, reaching without falling, and lifting some basic items. The stronger we are, the better able we will be to live without basic assistance.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Corpus Christi, Tex.