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Four Great Reasons to Start Strength Training Now!WHY I LOVE STRENGTH TRAINING
I admit it. Strength training is one of my favorite forms of exercise. As a woman over 40, I have yet to find any other kind of exercise that can help to diminish the effects of aging like strength training does.In fact, combined with proper nutrition, I think strength training could almost be called the proverbial "fountain of youth".
This is key, because after age 35 we lose about a pound of muscle every year. So we need to engage in physical activity that will help to counteract this loss.
Resistance exercise like strength training helps increase our bone density and strength. How? Well, weight-bearing exercise stimulates growth of bone tissue by making our bones work against gravity. As bones and muscles are stressed by the lifting of weight, they increase in strength and mass. Career couch potatoes generally put themselves at an awesome risk for developing thin, weak bones as they age. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, about 1 out of every 2 women, and 1 in 8 men over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetimes. Ouch!
A recent study cited in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found that stength training exercise significantly lowered cholesterol levels in previously inactive men and women. Some experts also say that other risk factors for heart disease such as resting blood pressure, glucose metabolism and body fat levels are also positively affected by weight-bearing exercise.
Did you know that strength training helps relieve arthritis pain? It sure does. And here's how. It makes our joints and muscles stronger and more able to absorb shock during movement. In fact, a recent study done by Tufts University showed that this exercise decreased pain by 43% in a group of arthritic men and women. They also experienced increased muscle strength and improved mobility.
Of course, if you have say, 100 pounds or more of body fat to lose, you'll want to give yourself a year or so to reach your goal. However, even in such cases, most will begin feeling and seeing very positive results within three to six months. The trick is to get going and be consistent. We're here to cheer you on, and help keep you motivated to do just that. You'll be glad that you did six months from now, when you look in the mirror and see a brand new you!
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Strength training is so important, particularly as we approach middle age and beyond. As we work out with weights, we build stronger muscles and even add muscle mass. 
Strength training can also increase overall heart health. 
Honestly, most people can totally transform their bodies within a three-month period by reducing fat, excess calories, and building muscle. And most will notice positive results in how they look and feel within 3 to 6 weeks. 
