How to Stay Youthful Leigh

How to Stay Youthful

By Carolyn Hansen

Maybe, like many men and women, you sometimes wonder why you should bother with strength training exercise. After all you go walking when you can and as you are so busy that should be enough to keep you in good health.

Well, if you are a time stretched person strength training is the absolutely number one way to achieve dozens of benefits that walking or any other cardio type exercise can never ever even come close to.

Here are some of the many benefits that can assist you in every aspect of your life:

• Will increase your metabolism, the body's engine causing us to burn more calories (fuel) 24/7 allowing us to lose or maintain our weight easier.

• Will strengthen bones - inactivity and aging can lead to a decrease in bone density causing them to weaken, become brittle and easily broken.

• Increases strength and muscle power and endurance - so all of our everyday work and leisure activities are easier and more enjoyable.

• Helps prevent injuries - many life-related and sporting injuries can be avoided by strengthening muscles and joints which give more protection.

• Improves balance, flexibility, mobility and stability - stronger, more resilient muscles, joints and bones allows us to move better and safer and have fewer falls and accidents.

• Lowers the risk of life threatening disease - a consistent strength-training program has many health benefits that include lowered cholesterol and blood pressure.

• Speeds rehabilitation and recovery - one of the best ways to heal many injuries is to strengthen the muscles around the damaged area. The stronger your muscles, the faster the healing process.

• Enhances performance in exercise or sport - a proper strength training program can dramatically improve your performance and enjoyment with exercise or your favorite sport.

• Makes us feel and look better - stronger muscles and joints can have a significant impact on posture and the way we move. Leaner, toned muscles give you a greater sense of well-being and confidence in your appearance.

• Assists as we get older - strength training greatly helps keep us more youthful, vibrant, and strong to enjoy our life to the fullest.

  Years ago "fitness" meant weight loss but it has a much different meaning today as most people do not engage in strenuous work of any kind, use and perform sit down or sedentary work all day. Nights are often taken up with hours of sitting in front of a television set. Most of us simply do not get enough vigorous activity to remain healthy.

  So, exercise today has a lot of meaning and influence on one's health and well-being.

  It is needed to keep our whole body strong so we can resist disease and have enough energy and stamina to work all day, do household chores and still have enough energy left over to pursue hobbies and leisure activities.

  The word "fitness" is really about our strength both physically and mentally s...