| Osteoporosis could easily be called the young persons | | | | advantage of strengthening all of the muscles of the |
| disease because it is before age 35 that the seeds | | | | body reducing the risk of bone shattering falls by |
| of this insidious disease are sown. You may have | | | | improving balance and coordination |
| thought osteoporosis only strikes little old ladies, but | | | | We have learned a lot with the passing years, we |
| this silent thief is sweeping the world, largely due to | | | | now know that these losses of muscle and bone |
| unhealthy lifestyle habits starting in childhood and it is | | | | strength are not a result of the aging process but |
| literally stealing our bones out from under us at | | | | merely the result of our inactive lifestyles. But unlike |
| astonishing rates. | | | | other unchangeable aspects of getting older |
| There is a direct parallel between our increasingly | | | | osteoporosis is not inevitable. It can be prevented, |
| sedentary lifestyles and the rising epidemic | | | | slowed and even reversed if the proper steps are |
| proportions of this crippling disease. If you lose | | | | taken now, while you are young. |
| muscle strength you will lose bone strength, density | | | | A proper exercise program needs to be started and |
| and mass as well. And you will lose both if you don't | | | | maintained throughout ones life. This program must |
| work at keeping them over the course of your | | | | contain at least 60% strength training exercise and |
| lifetime. | | | | be performed at the correct level of intensity to |
| Unless we prevent it, our strength will drop by almost | | | | achieve results. Find yourself a fitness professional to |
| half by the time we reach 65 years. | | | | get started and learn the skills you need to learn to |
| Research shows the greater the muscle tissue loss | | | | make your program safe, effective and as enjoyable |
| the higher the incidence of weak, thinning, brittle | | | | as possible. |
| bones. Muscles are attached to bones and when a | | | | So whether you're 20-something or 70-something, |
| muscle is contracted against resistance it pulls on the | | | | you can strengthen your bones. Like your car that |
| bone. This mechanical loading makes the bone grow | | | | requires quality petrol, oil and regular maintenance, |
| thicker and gain mass to protect itself while under | | | | your body requires proper, ongoing care if you want |
| stress thus leading to stronger bone. | | | | to keep it running right. By simply incorporating regular |
| To create the necessary load to strengthen bones, | | | | strength training exercise throughout adulthood, you |
| proper exercise is essential. Not just any old form of | | | | can help keep your bones in peak condition for years |
| exercise will do - recreational activities like running, | | | | to come. |
| biking, swimming are great for just that, recreation, | | | | After all, your body is the vehicle you will be using to |
| but do little to stress the skeleton. | | | | transport yourself in for the rest of your life. |
| Strength training exercise grows strong dense bones | | | | Fortunately, it is never too late to put the brakes on |
| and strong toned muscles to protect against the | | | | bone loss, just get started right away. |
| villain osteoporosis. This type of exercise also has the | | | | |