Becoming a fit woman                                                                                                 The ONLY way to reverse ageing.

If you haven’t learned the benefits of weight training, or are still debating whether you need to, this information is for you.

Miriam E. Nelson, Ph.D., a scientist at Tufts University, conducted a study on the benefits of weight training with postmenopausal women. Half the volunteers  were somewhat sedetary, other than light walking for one year. The other group lifted weights for 30 minutes twice a week.

At the end of the year, the non weight training women’s bones and muscles had aged. They had lost bone density and strength. They were slower and less active than before.

The women who lifted weights averaged fifteen years more youthful. They gained bone density and their strength level soared to levels of women in their late thirties. These women traded loose skin and a spongy body for tone, suppleness and vibrancy. They looked firmer and dropped dress sizes.

Aside from the physical changes, the weight lifters felt happier, more energetic and had greater self-confidence and reported finding their libido that had been lost for years. These women also became more active as they got stronger. They not only felt younger, they were leading younger lives. Physical changes caused emotional changes, which impacted their lives. They regained enjoyment of life they thought they had lost forever. All of that for two 30 minute weight workouts per week!

The reason people slow down when they age is due to losing a large percentage of their muscle mass. With the loss of muscle mass, bone mineral also begins to deteriorate. This starts around age thirty-five with inactivity being the major factor. This is the cause for frailty and reduced vitality we associate with aging. Loss of muscle comes first, frailty and aging come next.

It is important to understand that dieting without exercise causes the body to lose muscle, which slows the metabolism. Only the combination of weight training and balanced nutrition makes it possible to lose fat.

If you need more convincing, pick up a copy of Dr. Nelson’s book, “Strong Women Stay Young“, for more in depth information on her weight training research for women.

Here’s what a progressive weight training program can do for you:

> Halt and restore bone loss

> Help prevent bone fractures from osteoporosis

> Create tone and suppleness

> Help control weight

> Improve flexibility

> Energize

> Revitalize

> Lift depression

Staying physically active and being properly nourished is one of the most important things we can do to stay healthy for life. A safe and effective strength training program is necessary for all women to become stronger, feel better, and maintain personal independence throughout life.  It is my hope that each of us will value our strength and power as women. Strong really is the “New Skinny.”     It feels wonderful to have the ability to move with grace and agility. Regardless of your current condition you can begin to reverse the aging process. You can’t store fitness, so lets get on it. I look forward to seeing YOU in the gym!

Stay Strong and Beautiful—Love Deborah