Ya’ll gotta start lifting.

Hear me out, those muscle-bound scary looking men in the gym can sometimes be the friendliest person you’ll ever meet. But seriously, I cannot recommend starting to lift weight more. Hell, even one weekly weight lifting session can be sufficient to induce strength gain in beginners. This article recommended even three sets per exercise. Strength training can reduce the risk of all-cause mortality, decrease symptoms of depression, and minimizes fall risks.

You can use both machine and free weights. I personally like the free weights. But I’ve been lifting for quite some time and have a decent amount of strength. And I think that free weights take more out of you, that’s why I like to stick with them. But it’s also good for joint mobility and range of motion. You can’t tell me that as you are as flexible as you used to be. I’ve definitely noticed differences in my body within the past five years. My ribs seem stuck, I can sink into deeper twists like I used to.

But weight machines can make all things easier. They are relatively safer and easier to master, and some studies even say that they are just as ood as free weights for improving muscle mass and strength. So don’t listen to me, but do listen to me and go to the gym! Especially for us women, our bone density starts to decrease as we age, and no one wants to get weaker. I’ve actually made it a recent goal of mine, to get as strong as possible, both mentally and physically. I’m tired of being tired, (though I could thank my kiddo for that! He’s not a good sleeper). But to add muscle? That feels amazing.

I recently had a conversation with the owner of this gym here. And it was so refreshing to talk to someone who has had kids and has a passion to help people age. Hell, her main business plan isn’t targeted to youngsters at all, but to us old folk. On her home page she states that she’s targeting adults 40+! That’s the prime time to start a new healthy habit. She even at trainers that can come into your home to help! I’m not quite into that, I’ve always preferred getting out of the house and I like to go sweat elsewhere.

So please, for only your sake start lifting. Do something new. Do something hard. Every ounce of effort will repay you double for feeling good and aging well.