Weight Training May Be a Better Path to Aging
By Tom Herrin
The idea of doing something to help us to have better health as we age is not new. People have been trying to find something like that for all of time. When the Spanish searched for a fountain of youth, they truly must have believed it existed. We are not much different today though we may look for slightly different solutions. Instead of expecting to find some kind of miracle place, many seem to place their confidence in some kind of miracle pill or program. The opportunity to form a plan of action may actually be our best hope. If we truly have a desire to make our lives better as we age, much of it may depend on us. Weight training is one of the things that has shown great promise as a means of improving the health of older individuals.
Stay Fit
Working with weights can help to ramp up our metabolism. This can help us to burn fat and use the nutrients we take in to build muscle. The result may be greater strength and improved fitness overall. Most of us have seen those who appear to have become soft and change shape as they aged, but weight training may be a way to counter this effect. Better muscle tone may mean better posture and a better appearance as we hold our bodies more correctly. That means less slouching and slumping as well.
Stronger Bones
It is common for many people to experience problems with weaker bones as they grow older. It is also known that weight-bearing exercise can help to strengthen bones and improve density. This is a big plus. Those with arthritis may increase mobility and reduce pain if they participate in a regular routine of weight training. I can honestly say this has made a difference for me with my arthritis.
Support Better Cardio
It is no secret that exercise is good for our cardiovascular system. Weight training may help to manage blood pressure. It has indicated the ability to raise good cholesterol and lower both bad cholesterol and triglycerides. These are keys to enjoying better health for any of us. Aging is a good thing as it beats the alternative. What we should strive to do is age well, and finding the right kind of activity is a critical part of that. The next step is to be a real participant.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Plano, Tex.