As we age we lose approximately a half a pound of muscle per year and coincidentally we gain approximately one and a half pounds of fat per year after the age of thirty. Fat accumulates on your body when you eat more calories than your body burns. Muscle is the bodies most efficient calorie burner. The more muscles you have, the more calories you burn while at rest! So, with muscle lost over the years, your body does not burn calories as effectively and not surprisingly you gain fat, and this fat is often stored right around your middle! Gone are the days of flat stomachs and petite waistlines.

Not so fast! By adding three sessions of strength training per week you will prevent the inevitable age-related loss of muscle and maintain the metabolic (calorie burning) rate that you had when you were 21. Including one exercise for each major body part is a great start. Try this routine: leg press, hamstring curls, lat pull downs and chest press. Be sure to do 3 sets of each exercise, 10-15 repetitions per set. Resistance training will not only increase your fat-burning potential but it will also keep you firm, fit and looking like you have a 21-year-old body!

Three days per week with weights is ideal!

Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer in Vancouver. For further information call his office at 604-420-7800.