Is your body feeling older than it should? As long as your doctor gives the go-ahead and you proceed safely, it's never too late to start strength training, even if you're already in your 60s and 70s!
Following are key reasons why senior exercise and strength training can make you feel younger and healthier.
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Why Exercise and Strength Training for Seniors are Good Ideas
Exercise Can Build Your Confidence
As it turns out, you don't have to be an athlete to start strength training; more than anything else, you need confidence. If you don't believe in yourself or your abilities, you will give up long before seeing results. The first step is taking that first leap of faith and starting to work out regularly—all it takes is a little motivation and encouragement from others.
Once you see what you're capable of doing, there won't be any stopping you, and your confidence will soar!
Exercise Can Reduce Stress
Make it fun! Staying active helps reduce stress and tension, which can help you cope with mood disorders like depression. If you're worried about suffering from any of these conditions, consult your doctor before starting a strength-training program—they may be able to prescribe medications that don't interact badly with your workout regimen.
Exercise Can Help You Gain Independence
Seniors are often worried about their health and whether exercise will make them more tired or sore, but it's just the opposite: Working out can help you be stronger, leaner, and less likely to fall—meaning you could gain independence.
Exercise Can Help You Decrease Health Costs
On top of just being generally good for you, strength training is an easy way to get more exercise. Health care costs have been on a steady rise—according to a study by Optuminsight, health spending accounted for more than 17 percent of U.S. gross domestic product in 2016 and is expected to increase to 19 percent by 2025. Staying strong can help keep those numbers down. According to research from Harvard Medical School published in Annals of Internal Medicine, low muscle mass among adults over age 50 was associated with higher hospitalization rates and mortality rates across all body systems when compared with people who had normal or high muscle mass.
What are the reasons you enjoy senior strength training and exercise? Tell us in a comment!
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"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
