Fit At Any Age – Want a beauty treatment that doesn’t cost a cent?

Studies show that regular exercise can reverse 20 years of aging. You don’t have to be an endurance athlete to enjoy the benefits of walking, light strength training or swimming. At any age, becoming stronger can go a long way to improving your balance and helping to prevent falls. Your posture will improve, and appearing taller enhances a person’s attractiveness.

Chances are if you were conscientious about strength training when you were younger, you may not develop osteoporosis. Genes and family history, however, can play a big part as to whether you get this disease. Risk factors such as being female, slender and Caucasian can play a part too. That said, it’s never too late to start a strength program and reap the gains of improved balance, lower risk of diabetes, avoidance of cardiovascular disease and a reduction of high blood pressure. Reducing stress and anxiety is a benefit when one engages in strength training on a regular basis.

Regular exercise will boost metabolism and lower your heart rate. When the heart doesn’t have to work as hard, it will last longer.

Certain yoga postures done regularly can reverse some of the signs of aging, like saggy skin and a weak digestive system. Adding antioxidant foods to your diet can prevent cell damage that occurs over time. When the unstable free radicals are left to roam around the body, they can cause all kinds of havoc. Antioxidants help to make the free radicals stable and alleviate the damage they can cause. Broccoli, apricots, raspberries, cherries, watermelon, artichokes and spinach are all sources of antioxidants. Red wine and dark chocolate, in moderation, also contain antioxidants. What’s not to like about that?

Find a fitness buddy and sign up for a class or make a date for a walk. Having a partner to exercise with can provide companionship and make exercise less daunting.

Along with rejuvenating and recharging our bodies, exercise invigorates the brain and muscle tissues. You could say that what is good for the heart is also good for the brain.

Ginger Lambert is a personal trainer and fitness instructor. Check out her website, for information on fitness boot camp classes for any level.