Pump It Up

We used to think the only way to increase strength was to lift as much weight as possible. Now fitness experts know you don’t have to pump a ton to tone your body. That’s good news, because as we age, keeping strong is important to staying healthy.

As Jane gets closer to pushing 40, she’s pushing more weight. She joins a growing number of women who are weight-training…for looks and health.

Tom, Fitness Trainer:
“Women see their bodies changing and sculpting. Toning makes them feel strong.”

In general, women and men gain a pound a year between ages 25 and 55. One big reason: we lose a half-pound of muscle annually. It’s replaced with a pound and a half of fat. Experts say the cycle can be broken by lifting weights. You don’t even need a lot of them.

Tom:
“People think they need to pick up a lot of weights to get a lot of results, but form is probably the most important part of your workout.”

Since she started lifting, Jane’s body fat dropped seven percent. She says her self-esteem and health have soared.

Jane, Lifts Weights:
“I feel better about myself. Hopefully I’m going to extend my life and live to the ripe old age of 100.”

New research from Penn State University says you can improve muscle mass and bone density by lifting just twice a week. Studies have shown that people in their 90s can triple their strength in less than two months by lifting weights.