How strength training can slow the aging process

Antidote to Aging: Strength Training As Your Defense Against Father Time

August 27, 20246 min read

By Ken Berger

You wake up one morning, and it hits you. Your knees creak as you get out of bed. The thought of your weekly tennis match fills you with dread instead of excitement. And as you try to remember your to-do list for the day, your mind feels foggy and slow.

This is Sarah's reality at 54. She'd always been active and sharp, but lately, she feels like she’s losing her edge. Her joints ache after a short walk. The idea of hiking with friends seems impossible. And more often than not, she finds herself searching for words that used to come easily.

"Is this what getting old feels like?" Sarah wonders. She desperately wants to feel young, vibrant and healthy again. But how?

Your age does not define you ... there's a better way, through strength training.

Sarah's not alone. Many of us hit a point where we start to feel the effects of aging. We slow down, get achy and lose some of our mental sharpness. It can be frustrating and even a little scary.

But here's the good news: It doesn't have to be this way. There's a powerful tool that can help you fight back against the effects of aging. It's not a magic pill or a miracle cure. It's something much simpler and more effective: Strength training.

Now, you might be thinking, "Strength training? Isn't that just for bodybuilders and athletes?" Not at all. Strength training can be a game-changer for anyone, especially as you get older. Let's dive into why it's so powerful and how it can help you feel young again.

 Why Strength Training Matters

As you age, your body changes. You might notice you're not as strong as you used to be. That's because you naturally lose muscle mass as you get older. But here's the good news: You can fight back.

Strength training isn't just about building big muscles. It's about keeping your body functioning at its best. When you lift weights or use resistance bands, you're doing more than just working out. You're investing in your health.

Muscle Matters

Strength training slows the loss of muscle mass as you age, keeping you feeling young and independent.

Let's talk about muscle mass. It's not just for show. Having strong muscles helps you in everyday life. It makes carrying groceries easier. It helps you climb stairs without getting winded. And it can even prevent falls.

But there's more. Muscles aren't just for moving. They play a big role in your overall health. They help control your blood sugar and keep your metabolism running smoothly. So when you build muscle, you're not just getting stronger. You're setting yourself up for better health overall.

Bones and Balance

Your bones need a workout too. As you age, your bones can become weaker and more brittle. This puts you at risk for fractures. But strength training can help.

Getting stronger and improving balance is the antidote to the No. 1 culprit in shortening lifespan for seniors: falls.

When you lift weights, you're not just working your muscles. You're also putting good stress on your bones. This stress encourages your bones to get stronger. It's like telling your body, "Hey, we need strong bones here!"

And let's not forget about balance. Good balance helps prevent falls, which can be serious as we age. Strength training improves your balance by working the muscles that keep you steady on your feet.

 Fighting Disease

Now, here's where things get really interesting. Strength training isn't just about muscles and bones. It's a powerful tool in fighting disease.

When you strength train, you're helping your body in ways you can't see. You're improving your insulin sensitivity. This means your body can better manage blood sugar, which is great news for preventing or managing type-2 diabetes.

You're also reducing inflammation in your body. This might not sound exciting, but it's a big deal. Chronic inflammation is linked to all sorts of health problems, from heart disease to cancer.

And speaking of heart disease, strength training is good for your circulatory system too. It can help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall cardiovascular health.

Weight Management

Let's talk about weight for a moment. As we age, keeping a healthy weight can become more challenging. But strength training can help.

When you build muscle, you're boosting your metabolism. Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue, even when you're resting. So by adding muscle, you're turning your body into a more efficient calorie-burning machine.

This doesn't mean you'll lose weight overnight. But combined with a healthy diet, strength training can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. And that's important for preventing a whole host of health problems.

Sure, when you were younger, you may have wanted to lose weight so you could have a skinny waist and 6-pack, or look better in your bathing suit. In your 50s, you now realize that maintaining a healthy weight has far more important repercussions.

 Brain Boost

Here's something you might not expect: Strength training is good for your brain too. It's true! When you participate in vigorous exercise, your body produces something called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Couples who do strength training together report feeling closer in their relationship, with improved mood, memory and emotions.

BDNF is like fertilizer for your brain. It helps repair damaged brain neurons and even build new ones. This is huge for keeping your mind sharp as you age.

Studies have shown that strength training can improve memory and cognitive function. It can even help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

And let's not forget about mood. Strength training is a powerful mood booster. It can help fight depression and anxiety, leaving you feeling happier and more confident.

 Getting Started

So, how do you get started with strength training? It's easier than you might think.

The first step is to download my FREE Info Packet, so you can learn all about my strength training program, how it works and the results to expect. You’ll also discover the schedule and pricing, and get an invitation to a FREE 1x1 session with me!

Next, you’ll decide if it’s a good fit … and if it is, we’ll hop on a quick 10-minute phone call to map out a plan to achieve all your goals. There’s no risk and no obligation; just me helping your journey to a better quality of life.

Third, you’ll come in for your FREE 1x1 session so you can experience the benefits of my safe, effective strength training program for yourself!

You can get started by downloading my FREE Info Packet here.

With my expert guidance, you’ll start slowly and build up gradually. Consistency and proper form are more important than intensity, especially when you’re just getting started. Even small doses of strength training, done regularly, can make a life-changing difference in your health.

 Take Action Today

Now that you've learned how strength training can benefit your health as you age, it's time to take action. Get started today by downloading my FREE Info Packet below.

strength trainingmuscle masslongevity health over 60brain health
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Ken Berger

Ken Berger is a No. 1 international best-selling author of "Unlocking the Secrets of Lifelong Fitness Success." After 25 years as a professional sports journalist for the Associated Press, Newsday, CBS Sports, The Athletic and Bleacher Report, Ken now takes the lessons learned from the world's greatest athletes and changes lives through exercise and nutrition.

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