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Strength Training for a Body Half your Age

Baby boomers are at the prime of their life and heading towards retirement too. If you are one of these boomers, chances are that you would like to stay independent and avoid living in an assisted living facility. Therefore, you might want to consider strength training. Many everyday activities like carrying books, opening jars or even carrying your grandchild can be made easier.

You likely take for granted the everyday tasks that take some physical strength. However when you cannot do them, you wish that you could. With strength training, you could improve your balance and stamina by improving muscle tone and building strength in your bones and muscles as well. This in turn can greatly reduce your chance of physical injury.

Age is not the major factor of becoming pudgier and weaker. Not using your muscles and leading a rather sedentary lifestyle is what makes you lose muscle tone and strength. The old adage, "use it or lose it" definitely applies. By keeping up an exercise regiment as you age, you can essential look, feel and perform as good or better than people half your age with less physical abilities.

It is important to note that it is never too late to start strength training. You can be in your 80's and still build strength and muscles in just a few months of working out. In order to strength train, you will need to work against a force or resistance such as free weights, barbells, weight machines, water, a stability ball or even resistance elastic bands.

To get the most out of your strength training workout, you will want to work a different muscle group each time you exercise, several times a week. This will ensure an overall good physique rather than one body part receiving all the glory. Your back, arms, legs, stomach, shoulders and chest are common strength training areas where you will benefit the most.

You should start off small if you are strength training for the first time. Accomplish one set of 10-12 repetitions. As you can manage, add another set. Soon you will be up to several sets at a time for your strength training workout. You should note that dancing, running, cycling and other aerobic exercise also are great in building strength, particularly the legs. Push-ups and chin-ups help with other strength building body parts.

Make sure that you mix things up a little to avoid boredom. In addition, achieve a balance by alternating upper body strength training one day and then work the lower body the next. This way, you can avoid muscle fatigue. In addition, don't forget to stretch your muscles afterward. Stretching will help you avoid cramping up in addition to keeping your muscles warm and avoiding stiffness.

Start off slowly so as to avoid injury. Work your way up from one set of repetitions to three or four at a time. If possible, work with a personal trainer for a few sessions as they can best help you map out a routine that is most beneficial to you.