Fitness: It is a very simple process. As we age, we lose muscle mass. As we lose muscle mass, our metabolism slows. As our resting metabolic rate slows, we gain weight. Hummm...

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Fitness and Health

Fitness and Why We Gain Weight as We Age

By JB Johnson

Fitness: We gain weight as we age because we lose muscle mass as we age.

The role of fitness in health: 

Most people understand the effect of aerobic exercise and its role in weight reduction and cardiovascular fitness. Many do not understand the connection between weight training, weight gain, and aging.

After the age of 20, our bodies lose 1/3 to 1/2 pound of muscle tissue per year. Of course, this results in strength reduction as we would expect.

However, it also slows our resting metabolic rate. This is the rate our bodies consume calories when we are not working, even when we are sleeping.

The slowing of our metabolic rate translates into weight gain. Weight training, even twice a week, will help you maintain and even replace that lost muscle mass. Although weight training will produce extra strength in as little as six weeks, experts tell us to allow 12 weeks for physical changes to be obvious.

Weight training twice a week also has another bonus. It helps combat osteoporosis. As muscles strengthen, so do the underlying bones.

It is true that the more we sit, the more we want to sit. If you are thinking you just don't have the energy to exercise at the end of a long work day, consider the fact that exercise actually increases your energy. You feel like doing more, not less.

Decreased stress levels and better overall health and quality of life are additional benefits of exercise.

If you will consistently exercise (combination of aerobic exercise and weight training) for only 15 to 20 minutes per day for 12 weeks, you will be delighted at the feeling of control and power you feel with your own body. And as you replace muscle mass, you will see your weight gradually come down.

More information about health and fitness issues

True, exercise of any kind takes time and planning. However, like anything else, it gets to be a habit. Unlike some habits we humans have, this one has untold benefits to the human mind and body.

Additional information about health and fitness.