Why Having Muscle is Necessary to your Long Term Health

I have always loved toned muscle, not that I always had it. There were times in my life that not even a single bump of toned muscle appeared on my body, but I knew I always wanted it. A lot of my desire came from being a Police Officer, knowing that my appearance had a lot to do with my survivability as a cop. It is well known that bad guys were less likely to attack officers they perceived as being in shape and certainly being in shape meant I had better strength and endurance to survive a fight. A few troublesome injuries drove the point home for me. But for most women, muscle is still perceived as unattractive and in some cases, vain. I totally understand that perception because I think that we woman fear that if we lift weights we will turn into those man looking bodybuilders you see on TV. The truth is that obtaining that male-looking body is impossible unless you are trying to (8 hrs a day in the gym and with some chemical help).

What is true about weight training is that is the most effective way to lose or manage your weight, along with healthy eating habits. Study after study have affirmed that strength training (either with weights or using body weight) increases your metabolism and keeps your body burning calories throughout the day even after your training session ends.

Maintaining muscle tone decreases your chances of gaining weight as you age. It's important to not be overweight as you age because the extra weight puts a lot of strain on your aging joints. Without adequate muscle mass you are far more likely to experience injuries requiring reparative and replacement surgery making it less likely you will be "able" and independent into your golden years. I don't know about you but I want to enjoy being able to do what I want, when I want, right up until the day I die.

So, why should you worry about any of this if you are still in your twenties and thirties? You will lose about fifty percent of your muscle mass during your lifetime as a part of the natural aging process. Sedentary individuals can begin losing muscle mass as early as in their twenties! Most others begin losing muscle mass in their thirties. Again, without adequate muscle mass you are far more likely to experience injuries, such as back and joint injuries from strains, sprains, or falls, at any age.

The good news is that you can slow down muscle loss or even reverse muscle loss. The even better news is that it's never too late to start fighting this process. A study out of the University of Nottingham showed a group of subjects over the age of 60 were able to reverse muscle loss as effectively as twenty-something year olds just by exercising three times a week for 20 weeks.

Add weight training to your exercise routine, not only because it will make you toned and looking fabulous, but because it will help you maintain a good quality of life well into your old age.

Thanks for letting me share my experiences with you. Please consult your doctor before beginning a new diet or exercise regimen.


Sources:
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/04/23/strength-training-may-give-boost-to-seniors-brains?

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/on-fitness/2008/09/04/how-to-avoid-losing-muscle-as-you-age

http://voices.yahoo.com/the-importance-starting-strength-training-after-566897.html