Having more muscle mass boosts your metabolism, meaning you'll burn more calories just sitting around than you would with less muscle. It makes your bones stronger, helps you avoid injuries and improves coordination. All of this also gives your self-esteem a boost.
But if you think weight lifting is only for young people looking to get ripped, think again. A little bit of weight lifting just with basic hand weights can bring a lot of benefits.
If you're trying to lose weight, lifting weights is a must because, as mentioned earlier, you'll burn more calories to maintain muscle than you burn if you're carrying that weight as fat.
For older women in particular, lifting some weight is important because it strengthens your bones and the rest of your body, as well as giving you better coordination and balance. So many seniors, men and women, succumb to falls that lead to broken bones, which can make it impossible for them to live at home anymore.
Avoiding such a fate yourself should be more than enough motivation to get you lifting a little weight.
If you're worried about what you're going to look like if you start lifting weights, remember that it's actually very difficult to get a sculpted look, especially if you're a woman. People who look all muscle-bound usually rely on chemicals to help them look that way.
In your case you might look a little longer and leaner, and you might even be able to show a muscle when you curl your arm, but that kind of muscle tone is a very good thing that will boost your confidence sky-high.
If you've never lifted weights before you can start with very light weights and just do bicep curls and other basic moves while you're watching television. Over time you'll be able to move up to more weight, more repetitions and more complex moves (like pushups and tricep dips), but the point is that weight lifting is a process that is making you stronger every day and preparing you for what will hopefully be a fall-free future.
Jackie Orman is an expert at helping baby boomer and seniors get and stay healthy through diet and exercise plans. Learn more at Fitnaire.com.