Reasons for Baby Boomers to Get Weight-bearing Exercise
Once we hit the half-century mark, life changes and so do our bodies. Our fitness inevitably begins to fade. The harsh reality of aging is that our metabolism slows, and we lose not only cardiovascular vigor, but also muscle mass and bone density In fact, muscle strength is lost at a rate of roughly 15 percent a year after age 50, and 30 percent a year after age 70 [source: Nied ]. Depending on our lifestyles and activity levels, we're also at risk for a litany of illnesses, loss of balance and mental health issues, as well as decreased vision and hearing. For overall health, there are few better alternatives than a fitness regimen that includes weight-bearing exercises. The term "weight-bearing" simply refers to supporting our body weight against the force of gravity. So weight-bearing exercises can include, but certainly aren't limited to, running, jogging, walking, stair-climbing, hiking, dancing, aerobics, tai chi, yoga , elliptical training and ply...
