The Effects of Aging on Our Bodies

"I used to be able to do that when I was your age."

It's a phrase you've probably heard a lot of times, and have probably said more times than you'd like to admit.  Aging can be a hard thing to accept. Our bodies make it easier to store fat as we start to lose muscle. Aches and pains that didn't exist 10 years ago occur on a more frequent basis.  But it doesn't have to be that way. We're all going to go down someday, but why go down without a fight? With the proper exercise, your prime fitness could be in front of you, rather than your high school glory days.

No matter what age you are, whether a child or a senior, you can get stronger.  

Strength is Correlated to Longevity

And strength is directly correlated to longevity. Stronger people tend to live the longest. So no matter what age you are, being even a little stronger is always better.  Strength training can help addresses most of the major problems that sneak up on us as we get older. The average person will lose about 1 percent of their muscle mass per year, starting in middle age. With muscle goes a lot of other stuff we rarely think about: the thickness and strength of our tendons and ligaments, the size of our bones, the number of muscle fibers and nerves we can call on when we need to use them.

The Key is to Focus on Total Body Strength which comes from Lifting Weights

But, you have to train smart, focus on stability and mobility, and total body strength. It is important to focus on strength that comes from lifting weights, so yes ladies you need to lift them.  Your bones will not break if you pick up a weight that is heavier than your purse.  You need to push yourself.  And guys you have more muscles then just your biceps.  First everyone needs to work on their "core": abdominals and lower back.  These are the muscles we use every day, all day.  Follow this with shoulders, hips, legs, just move those weights and push yourself.

When you get Comfortable, Begin  Lifting Weights in a Functional Position

Now as you become more comfortable with the weights, try to lift them in a functional position, for example; standing.  We sit too much and that can in and of it lead to lower back problems, so standing helps reduce this risk, plus while standing you are engaging you core muscles. You have to brace the muscles in your core to maintain your balance and posture. 

One final thought, if you have put in the work and have some strength, you'll never have to utter the words "I've fallen and I can't get up".

For more information and health tips, visit the Cramer Chiropractic website and like us on Facebook.