[fusion_builder_container background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]While we often think of strength training as only body building for the young and glamorous the benefits of strength training are critical for long term health. Many daily activities require peak strength for short periods: sweeping, vacuuming, carrying groceries even getting in and out of your car. Add to that vacation and sports activities like carrying your luggage or golf clubs and you can easily list 10 daily activities that require strength to accomplish. Many Americans are woefully weak in such day-to-day strength activities and that can foretell earlier disability and even make weight loss harder.

Muscle burns more calories than fat which can make weight loss and maintenance easier. This is true even between activities when are muscle are at rest. Muscle is also leaner making it easier to fit into the clothes in our closets or the clothes at local stores. Loss of muscle begins to occur after age 30. This “sarcopenia” can be a barrier to losing weight as we age and require more extreme efforts.

Getting started with weight training need not require expensive equipment or health club memberships. You can start with a few minutes every other day using simple free weights (some call them dumb-bells or hand weights). Ask you exercise professional to show you a few exercises than can use to begin your routine. Resistance bands can be used and pack easily for those who travel or who want to add strength training at work during their breaks. Classical weight training machines used with appropriate instruction can add strength to individual muscle groups in turn. Many gyms and health clubs are happy to help you get started. Some may want to later purchase equipment at home to complement their cardio exercise activities.

Over our lifetime strength training is critical. Many older individuals have difficulty getting up from a chair due to neglecting this issue. Don’t let lack of strength get you down now or later in life.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]