Lifting weights is the key to aging well.
If you want to age with confidence and strength, you must start lifting weights. It’s one of the most important things you can do for your future. Weightlifting helps with movements in everyday life and plays a huge role in your health and longevity.
Women don’t have to worry about getting bulky; we’re not wired that way.
Having more muscle will give you a leaner, stronger, and healthier body. The scary truth is that every year that goes by, we are losing muscle. And without muscle you gradually get weaker. We can change that!
Let’s discuss why prioritizing weightlifting needs to start today.
Revs Up Your Metabolism And Helps You Manage Your Weight.
Muscle burns more calories than fat. That’s a simple truth. As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down. Hormones play a major role in that as well. Lifting weights counteracts this by jumping-starting your metabolism, keeping it a fat burner even hours after you finished your workout.
Reduces Your Osteoporosis Risk And Supports Your Bones
It seems like every woman I talk to has been diagnosed with osteopenia. Because of our hormones, we are naturally more at risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Strength training reduces this risk by increasing bone density. Are you scared of falling and breaking a bone? It can be a reality if strength training isn’t happening. Lifting weights is one of the most important things you can do today to greatly reduce your risks.
Having more muscles prevents falls and improves balance and coordination. Stronger muscles also help with everyday life, like carrying groceries, picking up kids or grandkids, and getting up and down from a chair or the floor much more easily. We think we will always be able to do those things easily, but without muscle, we won’t.
Lifting Weights Improves Mood And Mental Health
When you exercise, especially with strength training, you release feel-good endorphins that boost your mood and reduce stress. This can have a powerful effect on depression and anxiety. Your sleep will also improve, which is always a big plus.
Longer, Healthier Life.
Weight lifting reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease and can help manage arthritis.
This almost sounds too good to be true, right? But science has shown that lifting weights and increasing muscle strength can lead to a longer, healthier life. I think this is pretty amazing!
Where Do You Start?
You can start today in your own home to increase your longevity. Start slow if you have never lifted weights. Don’t increase the weight until you have mastered your current weight and it is starting to feel too easy. Slow is better; it prevents any injury.
Two to three times a week is all that’s needed to keep and even increase your muscles’ strength. After a couple of weeks, you will be amazed at how strong you feel and how toned you look. Do some cardio and get your steps in when you’re not lifting weights.
It’s never too late to start building muscle, at any age. Get a couple of different sets of hand weights and get lifting! Your future self will thank you!
Until next time,
~pat
