The fact is these activities are not an exercise program and can never ever replace the benefits derived from a proper exercise program that contains strength training which is essential to maintaining a strong body during the aging process. It slows, if not reverses, the aging process by helping to maintain muscle mass that supports the skeleton and drives the metabolism (the body's engine).

Keep in mind that after the age of 30 we begin to lose 300-500 grams of muscle mass each year if we are not strength training. That loss of muscle greatly compromises our skeletal system and ability to remain mobile along with starting us on a downward spiral of degeneration.

You see, your body and brain have evolved so that behaviors that helped our ancestors survive - robust and regular physical activity sends positive signals to our most basic body systems that say life is good: renew, replace, repair and thrive.

Being sedentary and inactive tells those deep wiring and plumbing operations to switch into 'shut down mode' decay and die. Not a recipe for a long, healthy life. But that can be turned around and here are some of the top reasons for keeping your muscles strong.

1. Slows down the aging process.

Unused (unchallenged) muscle tissue shrinks with each year that passes. Weakened muscles also make it less fun to move. Activity levels decrease and metabolism drops, while body fat, aches, and injuries sky rocket.

2. Strong muscles help us stay lean.

Muscle is "active" tissue and uses up more calories even just sitting around. A mere three pounds of new muscle tissue (so little you would not even see it) would use an extra 150-225 calories per day.

3. Muscle strength adds density to our bones and reduces our risk of osteoporosis.

Muscles are attached to bones so when we challenge our muscles we also strengthen and add density to our bones.

4. Strengthening our muscular system also strengthens our immune system.

This decreases risk of the 'big three' heart disease, cancer and diabetes. These are all health problems associated with high levels of body fat. Building and maintaining lean muscle tissue decreases our body fat levels.

5. Improve mental outlook and attitude.

Becoming stronger will help make you be the person you want to be. Your attitude towards yourself and life in general will improve and you will find you have a gentler disposition. Exercise, especially strength training (pushing and challenging yourself) will make you feel like a new person.

You may have never stuck with an exercise program long enough to experience how good it is for your sense of well being and how much extra energy it gives you. Your strength and fitness are essential to your good health, like eating right. Proper exercise needs to be at the top of your list of priorities and be put first when you understand and accept just how it important it is.

Over a period of time, little by little if you stick with your program you can claw back those years and you will look forward to your exercise sessions and will never want to miss this special time for yourself.