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Old 12-03-2006, 05:09 AM   #6 (permalink)
ahimel
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Boulder, Colorado
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On the contrary -- consistant weightlifting is one of the best things you can do to keep yourself looking good as you age. Your skin doesn't "get used" to a certain size -- it's an amazingly flexible system that will adjust to whatever size it needs to be. (For a gross and disturbing demonstration, stick a needle into the dead skin of your fingers and leave it there for a couple months. Or just take my word for it.)

What causes sag and wrinkles is the lack of elasticity in the skin. This is simply a cancer preventative and there's nothing you can do about it. But you can make sure that it's only the skin that's flabby -- that the muscle underneath the skin is still firm and toned. That's where bodybuilding comes in.

"Older people who take up weight training can prevent some of the loss of muscle tissue that normally accompanies aging—and even regain some functional strength—and by doing so become less frail.[13] They may be able to avoid some types of physical disability. Weight-bearing exercise also helps to prevent osteoporosis. The benefits of weight training for older people have been confirmed by studies of people who began engaging in it even in their 80s and 90s."
-- Wikipedia

"One 12-month study conducted on postmenopausal women at Tufts University demonstrated 1% gains in hip and spine bone density, 75% increases in strength and 13% increases in dynamic balance with just two days per week of progressive strength training. The control group had losses in bone, strength, and balance. Strength training programs can also have a profound effect on reducing risk for falls, which translates to fewer fractures." -- Center for Disease Control and Prevention

"What are the benefits one can expect from resistance and cardiovascular training, particularly as this applies to the older population?

* Reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and improving post-MI performance.
* Reducing the risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes.
* Reducing the risk of high blood pressure and its accompanying health threats.
* Improving blood lipid levels, reducing the risks of unhealthy levels.
* Building and recovering lost muscle mass and strength.
* Reducing body fat and improving overall body composition.
* Increasing metabolism to assist in maintaining a healthy balance.
* Decreasing lower back pain by strengthening musculature.
* Relieving the pain of arthritis by promoting greater flexibility.
* Preventing osteoporosis by using weight lifting exercises to improve bone density.
* Reducing the risk of colon cancer by promoting rapid transit of body waste through the gastrointestinal system.
* Boosting self confidence, improving appearance and lessening depression. "
- Richard D. Therry, Certified Personal Trainer
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