<%@LANGUAGE="VBSCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> <%Option Explicit%> <%strPage = "Strength Training" strCategory = "Article Library" strPageTitle = "Your Fountain of Youth is Closer Than You Think" %>

Your Fountain of Youth is Closer Than You Think by Gregory Florez, First Fitness Ponce de Leon sought it; there are literally hundreds, if not thousands of books written about it, supplement manufacturers claim it, yet we still do not appreciate that a Fountain of Youth is as close as dumbbells dumbells , leg weights wearable weights , and exercise tubing resistance bands . Did you know that 92% of men and women age 40 to 60 can open a cap on a jar, but given that same jar, only 32% of those 71 to 80 years old could open it. Without a regular strength training program strength equipment , muscular strength begins a steady decline in most adults as early as age 30. For example, knee extension strength in even normally active men and women still decreases rapidly after age 45 to 50, but strength training to the knee extensor muscles enables older adults to perform better at age 60 than most normally active people half their age. The benefits of strength training translate directly into quality of life improvements. People who strength train in their later years are able to maintain their independence longer and are at less risk for injury due to loss or balance and falls. Resistance training not only helps you maintain muscular strength, but it also maintains or increases muscle mass. And, because muscle is a more efficient energy burner than fat, the more muscle mass you have the more calories you will burn, even at rest! With a little help and the right equipment it is easy to get started on a strength training program at any age. Mixing up your routine with free weights free weights , resistance machines home gyms , exercise tubing resistance bands and body-weight exercises can help curb boredom and provide you with more whole-body benefits. Start with relatively light resistance, in fact even much less than you think you are able to lift. This will help promote proper form and technique while you wake up your muscles to the new activity. Be sure to find a good pair of gloves gloves and belts and a quality belt to protect your hands and back. Gradually add resistance as you begin to exercise more consistently and you will be well on your way to discovering your very own Fountain of Youth.