Feel Younger Through Fitness

AS WE AGE, MAINTAINING muscle mass is less about looking buff than it is about being healthy. The benefits of hitting the gym are even more important as we age. If we maintain muscle mass and cardiovascular health into our 50s, 60s and 70s, we get a huge payoff—the ability to continue to do things we love without fear of injury or losing our balance.

Our bodies look and feel younger, and we are more able to easily move around out in the world and at home. Aim for two to three weight training sessions a week, even if it’s just dumbbells or resistance exercises on a mat at home. Also try to fit in at least 150 minutes of moderate cardiovascular exercise a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week, according to the Mayo Clinic. Don’t forget to stretch. Stretching helps maintain flexibility and range of motion, increasing circulation and blood flow.