Strength Training Workout Program – Fountain of Youth?

My father died because he didn’t have a good workout program to go along with his diet.

You see, although my father was never overweight, and ate a healthy diet for as long as I can remember, he never incorporated a formal workout program into his routine. Most of the time he would be sitting, reading; he’d never even take a walk around the block.

I vividly remember how weak and slow my father became as the years wore on.

This lack of a formal workout program finally caught up with him one day. He tripped, fell, and broke his hip. While most of us can survive minor trips without falling, the typical elderly person cannot. Many times a weak and elderly person just doesn’t have the speed and strength required to “catch” themselves in the middle of a trip and prevent their fall. Because they didn’t employ any kind of a workout program to prevent loss of the “fast-twitch” or power muscles of the body, their muscles can no longer react quickly. It’s mainly the reason why older people move slowly like they do — they’ve lost the ability to move any other way except slowly. The old adage here, “use it… or lose it” is never more aptly applied.

This 70-yr old woman can barely manage the stairs. No workout program in her lifetime - is there a connection?

Also, because years of inactivity causes leaching of calcium from their bones (osteoporosis), most elderly people that fall also break bone(s) in the process, usually their hips.

In my fathers case, as well as most other elderly people who fall and break their hips, this usually signals the beginning of the end.

My father had 2 falls within 2 years, breaking his hip each time. After his first fall it took 6 months before he was able to walk (more like shuffle) again. After the second fall he never walked again and passed away in a year. And boy did he suffer while in bed. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Imagine an active, independent person suddenly being confined to a bed, knowing he’ll never walk again? It’s like a jail sentence.

I somehow felt responsible not convincing him to start a workout program, especially knowing what I knew about how a workout program could increase his strength, vitality, and bone density. When he died I made a promise to myself…I would strive to teach as many people as I could about the positive, life enhancing benefits of exercise.

Because it’s not about what you do “tomorrow” when you get old, but what you do “today” to prevent the decline from happening. I say this because you’re probably muttering to yourself that you’re young now, and you don’t have to worry about this.

If you’re over 35 then your health and strength are declining my friend, even though you may not be noticing it. And it’s a hell of a lot easier to prevent decline than it is to reverse it. Perfect example? Jack LaLanne! In a recent interview Jack said he has never gone a day in his entire 92 year life that he has not exercised.

Jack LaLanne at 90. This is what a strength training workout program can do for you

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE:

A workout program that focuses primarily on strength training is the closest thing to a fountain of youth

That’s what research conducted by Gary Hunter, PhD, professor of human studies at the University of Alabama’s School of Education found.

The study found that women as old as age 77 who began a workout program on weight machines increased their physical strength more than 50% within four months.

Such strength is vital in preventing debilitating injuries often associated with aging – from gradual weakening and lessening of mobility, to osteoporosis and injuries from falls.

The women in the study also increased their walking speed by 18% even though walking was not part of their training.

As you see, there really is a “fountain of youth”. It’s called a strength training workout program. You can help yourself now and prevent the typical age-related declines in health and vitality.

Take Charge!

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