30 Sep Six reasons why people of nearly all ages should lift weights

Strength training should be performed by people of all ages, men and women, working and retired people. It gives you a multitude of health benefits throughout your life.

Lifting weights isn’t just for people who want to play sports, or get big muscles to look good.
Strength training should be performed by people of all ages, men and women, working and retired people.
Here are six reasons why all adults should regularly do strength training exercises, whether it’s using free weights, a home gym, functional trainer or their own body weight for exercises such as pushups and triceps dips.
Speeds up metabolism – After lifting, pulling and or pushing weights, men and women will notice an increase in their resting metabolic rate. Coupled with a good diet, that’s how you lose weight and maintain a healthy body.
Get toned – Find the right workout regimen to fit your body type, lifestyle and goals and get closer to the body you want. Whether you want to get more muscular, tone up, or try to keep as much muscle tone as possible as you get older, there’s a workout plan out there for you.
Improve your mood – All the research out there shows that regular exercise can lift your mood by helping the body to release endorphins, which are like a natural happy pill. Exercising can also help improve your self-esteem and reduce anxiety.
Increase quality of life – Strength training can help you perform better in every day life. Weights will help your muscles get stronger and tendons and ligaments function more smoothly.
Strengthen bones – Your muscles are attached to bones and when you move weights, the muscles and bones exert themselves. Many people don’t know it, but by performing strength training exercises, you’re also toughening up the bones. That’s why it’s very important for senior citizens to work their muscles, even if it’s with light weights doing high repetitions. Any strength training is beneficial. This can greatly reduce the fall risk for seniors if their bones and muscles are strong.
Fight off sickness – Strength training has been found in countless studies to reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and even cancer, as well as a host of other chronic health issues.
One final thought: If you start a strength training program today and do it three-four times a week, you should start seeing impressive results in as little as one month.
Contact an At Home Fitness sales consultant to find out more about which equipment can help you get started on a strength training program, or improve on your current regimen.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com