As the years go by we become aware that changes are happening to our bodies that we don't necessarily like and wonder what we can do to lessen their effect. Modern medical enhancements are an option and many people resort to surgical changes to their body to stay youthful. But you can make a big difference to how you look, feel and function with a much simpler solution.

You may already know that as we get older we not only get wiser but we also lose vital bone density and muscle strength. Although we cannot see these things they are of great importance as they are the very foundation or chassis of our body that holds us together, keeps us upright, sturdy, and allows us to move. Any deterioration in this framework will not only make everyday activities much more difficult but will limit our life in a hundred other negative ways.

If you do not do enough muscle building and maintaining activity after age 30 you will not be able to keep your muscle and bone strength. These two go together hand in hand as muscles are attached to bones and when they contract (when they are used) they put stress on the bones keeping them strong. This physical stress needs to be great enough to stimulate the hormones (the chemical messengers) that instruct our cells and tissue to rebuild, repair, replace and renew.

The problem is that there is nothing left in our modern day life that even vaguely resembles the vigorous 'work' that our bodies have been designed and programmed to do. This is the downside of our advancements in technology and mechanization. Our bodies now have no way of staying strong and healthy without the vigorous physical movement they are hardwired to perform.

But, be reassured it is so very easy to put this necessary 'work' back into our lives. A very special form of exercise called strength training will give you the means of staying strong throughout your entire life. Please note: This is the only type of exercise that will build and maintain your vitally important muscle and bone strength.

If you keep your muscles working for you it is possible to turn back the clock a decade or more and recapture or keep the energy and strength of your younger days. Strength training exercise is so effective it can provide huge health benefits to virtually anyone no matter what kind of shape you are in or how old you are.

Some of those benefits are a faster metabolism (your body's engine) causing the body to burn more calories throughout the day which aids significantly in long term weight loss.

Strengthening your muscles also aids heart health by reducing blood pressure and reducing the work load allowing it to beat more efficiently.

One of the biggest benefits that come with a strong body is a stronger immune system. This reduces the risk of disease, especially prevalent modern day lifestyle villains such as the 'big three' heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Having the ability to be very active as you get older is a great incentive for working at maintaining your strength. Whether you are climbing a mountain at 70 or sitting in a nursing home with your life dwindling away has got a lot to do with what you are doing now, right today.

When we begin to feel the positive benefits of the right exercise program we soon realize that getting older has less to do with the number of candles on our birthday cake and more with how healthy, strong and energetic we are and feel. But is doesn't just happen on its own you have to work for it.