Adequate strength is required to do even daily chores. As we age, our muscle and strength decreases and we move toward a more inactive state. A domino effect begins to take place and our exercise tolerance declines, our body fat increases, muscles decrease in size and become weaker and bone thickness decreases. Inactivity also increases health risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.

Why Is It Important:

Carefully and slowly starting a weight training program will help to:

• Reduce Body Fat – Muscle burns more calories than fat. Building muscle mass increases your metabolism helping you to burn more calories.

• Prevent Osteoporosis – Muscles strengthen and bone density increases.

• Increase Flexibility – By strengthening bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and increasing a joint’s range of movement, your ability to perform everyday chores will increase and prevent accidents and injuries.

• Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes – Research has shown that strength training can increase glucose utilization in the body thereby decreasing sugar in the blood.

• Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease – Improving your blood pressure and lowering your cholesterol.

• Strengthen Your Mental Health – Exercising produces endorphins, which help to make you feel better about yourself and see things more positively around you.

Before starting any exercise program, get a medical checkup and work with a certified exercise leader to learn proper and safe usage of the equipment.