Weightlifting May Boost Health for Seniors
By Tom Herrin
We often think of those who are older as being less capable of doing things that are less physically demanding. Some of this is quite valid as we see the effects of what appears to be the physical effects of aging. On the other hand, some of this may be due to what may be considered the psychological effects of aging. Some of these may be the fact that we believe we can no longer do things, so we stop trying. Just because we are getting older, it does not mean that we are no longer able. One thing that has been shown to help older people is participating in weight training.
Weights May Help to Trim Fat and Tone Muscle
We all probably have seen people who have put on extra pounds as they have gotten older. Some of us simply accept the idea that we will have a bigger bulge around the middle and little or no muscle that can be seen. It doesn't necessarily have to be that way. Weight training can help to increase the metabolism and burn fat at the same time. It can help to increase muscle mass. This means you can have a substantially leaner body that is much more efficient. One study showed these kinds of results as well as decreasing the average physical age of the body by five years.
Lifting Weights May Help Us to Function
Performing everyday activities can become something that we can struggle with as we age. Many times our failure to continue to work the muscles can result in an inability to do so. Working with weights can help us to have the strength to carry out normal activities. This can include things as simple as walking. Better muscle strength and control can help us to maintain better balance as well as the ability to move around without the need of assistance. When we can do that, we will also have greater confidence.
We All Can Stand to Support Cardio
It is widely known that exercise is a good way to strengthen our cardiovascular system. It can help the heart to move more blood with less effort while maintaining healthy blood pressure numbers. As we do this, we can keep cholesterol in a healthier range, too, by raising good cholesterol and lowering bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Midlothian, Va.