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by Holly St. Lifer from That's Fit Anti-aging articles abound touting the benefits of lifting weights to boost metabolism and fat loss, and increase bone density. But strength training is also your first defense against injuries. Weakness is the number one factor for putting you at injury risk. "The older we get, the less elastin -- a protein that keeps our tendons and ligaments flexible -- we make . As a result, these connective tissues become more stiff, placing added responsibility on our muscles to bear the burden of movement and impact when we run, swing a golf club or take a Zumba class. If your muscles aren't strong enough, you'll get injured," explained Henry Lodge, M.D., and coauthor of Younger Next Year. Let's say you're a tennis player for example. If you don't have strong upper back and core muscles, then tendons and ligaments in your shoulder and elbow take on too much and you're at greater risk for a rotator cuff tear or tennis elbow. Get the rest of the story at That's Fit! More great stories:
How do you avoid injury? Have you suffered more injuries as you've aged? Provided Photo |
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