Can strength training actually reverse the aging process? Aging is related to the loss of muscular strength and muscle mass.
Research has shown that this muscle loss is due to a combination of factors including inactivity and lower levels of antioxidants.
The good news is that research also shows that strength training can increase antioxidant enzyme activity thus helping to reduce the aging process at a deeper level than merely cosmetic.
Aerobic activity is great for conditioning your heart and lungs but it does not build muscle.
No matter how much time you spend on aerobics, after the age of 40 your body begins to lose more and more muscle mass, which leads to aging.
To reverse this aging process you must not only keep your muscles strong but build more muscle to make up for what you are losing each year.
Strength training is not a synonym for body building.
You can build muscle without bulking up by selecting the type of workout you do.
Using more repetitions of lighter weights will build toned but not bulky muscles.
There are even some strength training exercises you can do using just your own body weight.
Try these: Standing push-ups: Put your hands on the edge of the kitchen counter shoulder width apart.
Lower your chest slowly to the counter, hold for a couple of seconds, then push back up.
Squats: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
Bend your knees and slowly lower your body as though you were going to sit on a chair, then raise back up.
You can hold on to a counter or chair back for stability if needed.
Ask your doctor or a fitness trainer for advice on designing your workout.
But do it today - it's never too late to start strength training but you can't reap the benefits until you start!