Let me tell you about my mom.
Even though we argue incessantly about politics (because she’s wrong), I still love her very much.
And I’m in awe of how she’s transformed her health and her entire life just in the past five years. I could write a short book about everything, so here’s just one example:
She lives way up north and does not have a house heated by oil. Or electricity.
Instead, she had her home completely rebuilt to stay warm through the bitter winter months with good old-fashioned firewood.
It’s an ingenious design centered around a massive stone oven situated squarely under her shower. The firewood heats the oven, warming the stone. The stone heats the water, which can be used for hot showers. And the heat from cooking food radiates throughout the entire house.
I might have gotten some of the details wrong, but I’m sure you get the idea.
One part of this system, however, is quite “inefficient.” And that’s powering the oven with firewood. Someone has to source the wood, chop it, stack it inside, and feed the oven when needed.
Who does it?
She does!
And it counts as her exercise, as well. She uses a special hand-held log splitter where the actual blade remains wedged into the wood, but you hammer the blade with a pump action. It’s much safer, but still requires plenty of elbow grease.
Because of this unique (at least in modern times) heating system, her knowledge of how to cook with fire, and the ability to do it… she’s more self-sufficient than most people I know, regardless of age.
Plus, her health is better than it was 10 years ago. Maybe 20. That’s for many reasons, but the exercise is a big one.
Now, that inspires me… and I hope it does for you, especially if you’re female and are hesitant to try out resistance training.
You don’t have to leap halfway into lumberjack territory to get started. Some simple workouts in an air-conditioned fitness center will do.
If you’re still on the fence, let me ask you some questions:
Are you concerned about your bone health, osteoporosis, or suffering from a sudden bone injury?
A study out of the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University found lifting weights protects against osteoporosis by making your bones stronger and improving your strength and balance and toning your muscles. Drugs and food aren’t as good for those last three.
If you want to read the science-speak, here are their exact words:
“High-intensity resistance training, in contrast to traditional pharmacological and nutritional approaches for improving bone health in older adults, has the added benefit of influencing multiple risk factors for osteoporosis including improved strength and balance and increased muscle mass.”
Perhaps your bones feel fine… but maybe you’re frustrated because your body can’t keep up with the projects you want to accomplish every day?
A study out of Veterans Affairs Medical Center found women aged 65-79 who lifted weights three days per week increased their muscle strength between 36-40% in just 15 weeks.
How would you feel if your hands, arms, and hips were 40% stronger? That could come true for you.
Or perhaps you’re happy with your body… but you feel a little more sad these days or worry too much?
A study out of Boston University found adults (average age: 68 years old) who lifted weights for 12 weeks experienced a better mood, less anxiety, and more physical confidence. This is in addition, by the way, to stronger muscles and fat melting off their bodies.
A few weeks ago, Brad Lemley, senior editor of Natural Health Solutions, and I were discussing human longevity and what our potential is.
We both agreed that signaling to your body that it’s still needed is a crucial and often overlooked factor in staying alive and thriving.
Putting your body through a rigorous workout, like resistance training, is the perfect way of signaling to your body, “Hey! We’re still experiencing challenges! The world’s still a tough place! And we’re still fighting back!”
If the science is right, as well as my mom (at least when it comes to exercise), then your body will respond with more health, strength, and energy, and you’ll feel darn good too.
Regards,
Nate Rifkin
Underground Health Researcher
