We are working mothers with stress and years of wear on our face and bodies. We don’t have the money for nips and tucks, injections or lasers. Our waistlines start spreading, fat does not burn off as easily, we’re more prone to cellulite, we get tired easily, our skin begins to sag and we begin to look older than our age. This is because most of us don/t change our eating habits or lifestyle as we age. It’s necessary to try to speed up our metabolism as we approach 40.
After 40, we are more prone to weight gain since we lose muscle mass, and we also lose bone density which can ultimately lead to osteoporosis. Since our metabolism slows down, there is more fat storage and the average and we gain 1 lb per year in our weight. Sounds pretty hopeless, but there is good news. Physical activity lowers the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, improves sleep and reduces stress. It steps up our metabolism and keeps us looking and feeling young. Even walking can make a difference, but strength training can be an important part of the exercise routine. It can help burn up to twice as many calories and body fat and adds muscle mass. It increases flexibility, balance, strength and endurance.
Building strong muscles at this age is most essential, and that is why including strength training in your exercise routine is very important. People who have added strength training to their exercise programs after the age of 30 burn twice as many calories and body fat than people who haven’t. Strength training helps to add muscle mass, increase cardiovascular endurance and firm sagging. This form of training includes physical activity to build strength, balance, flexibility and endurance.
I’ve watched Barbara change her life, her vitality and her appearance and have been inspired by her. She fought the aging process and is beating it back each day. Because of her, I’ve started drastically restricting bad carbs, adding lots of veggies and trying to be as active as my disease allows. I’ve lost 12 pounds so far. Not much compared to Barb’s 90 plus, but I’m on my way! I already have more energy and am sleeping less. I hope that soon my clothes will start to show a difference. I especially hope that in the not too distant future, my husband will look at me and see something of the girl he married 22 years ago, and without the benefit of Botox!
THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY
