Resistance Training: The Fountain of Youth
Still resisting resistance training? Take a look at the following body changes that take place as we age and how strength training counteracts each.
l Oxygen capacity decline. The more muscle mass you have, the more efficiently your body utilizes oxygen.
l Body fat increase and muscle atrophy. The less muscle mass, the slower the metabolism; the slower the metabolism, the more body fat gained; the more body fat gained, the slower the metabolism; and so on. Muscle increases metabolism because each pound of muscle burns 35 calories a day just staying alive, while a pound of fat burns four. More muscle allows you to burn more calories on a daily basis, even at rest.
l Muscle strength decrease. Muscle strength is related directly to quality of life. When muscle strength degenerates, energy goes along with it. Increased muscle tissue increases energy in general.
l Decreased bone mass. Working with weights increases bone density much the same way muscles enlarge when overload strain is applied.
Experts recommend eight to ten different exercises for the major muscle groups, performed at least twice a week, using enough resistance to bring you close to muscle fatigue.