I know it is hard to believe that as you age you can actually increase your muscle power. Everything we have ever heard tells us we lose strength, not gain it.
The University of Connecticut Health Center did a 10-year study with adults at least 60 years of age. They worked up a program to bring the participants into the best possible shape and increase their strength, and endurance.
If you want to put a halt to the inevitable decline in physical strength, then this program is for you. This is a good exercise program that reduces the physical effects of aging and in many incidences actually increases physical power.
The key is to do both cardiovascular and weight-bearing exercises. You can join a gym, health club or exercise class at a senior center, or you can work out on your own. The main thing is to combine the two physical exercises. Even ordinary things such as gardening and cleaning your house can help, but it isn't enough. You need a concentrated exercise routine. Experts recommend three times a week for one-hour sessions. You alternate between cardiovascular workouts and weight training. In between the sessions you should walk.
An exercise program is important not for a short period of time but for your life. The hope is that you will continue and stall some of the effects of aging. The ideal is to work on difference sections of the body and devote about 15-minutes to each part. So that is 15-minutes to concentrate on the lower body, upper body, abdomen and back. A wonderful side effect is increased balance. This is very important because many injuries such as hip fractures are due to poor balance.
According to the University of Connecticut study the resistance exercises and weight training improves strength and balance even in frail elderly. If you want to remain independent as you age into your 70s and 80s, start your exercise program today.
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