As we age, our muscles atrophy approximately 5 lbs. of muscle tissue every ten years. This is due to the aging process, poor nutritional habits, and lack of a resistance program. Five pounds of muscle is equal to burning or not burning 300 calories daily.

The next time you hear someone say "my metabolism is slowing down as I get older" now you know one of the reasons why. If you start or maintain a weight training program along with proper nutrition, you'll be able to increase about 5 lbs. of muscle tissue in approximately 3 months to a year depending on your genetics and other factors.

It is proven whether you’re 20- 40- or 70, weight training with proper nutrition can strengthen bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis with weight management. Weight bearing exercise can slow the aging process of the skeletal structure.

Weight training also supports your joint structure which is a major prevention for future joint problems with knees, shoulders, and back. For instance, the main vertebral column’s support is our back muscles. As we age and muscles atrophy (without use), the support of the column becomes weaker. The spine can begin to compress on nerves and disks wear away. Weight training will build the back muscles and continue to support the spine. This can help prevent or avoid many back imbalances and injuries.

By Carolyn Phillips

Carolyn Phillips has a 20 year history as a certified personal trainer with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant, teaching lifestyle management, nutrition, weight training, cardiovascular, fitness testing, and behavior modification.  Carolyn is featured on WFSB Channel 3’s, Better CT and on radio 96.5 TIC FM with Damon Scott as the fitness expert every Wednesday.

Carolyn Phillips is founder and CEO of Fit Behavior (http://www.fitbehavior.com) and. Carolyn’s Menu of Life (http://www.Caroylnsmenuoflife.com) The facility has a 13 -year history and has been awarded winner of the best place to workout and best Pilate’s studio by the Hartford Magazine and voted best by The Hartford Advocate for its nutrition and cardio program. Carolyn won the prestigious 40 Under Forty award from the Hartford Business Journal for outstanding leadership in the greater Hartford area.

Carolyn has over 25 years of combined comprehensive sports and education experience.

• ·         2000-2010 ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• ·         2010 ACE Certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant
• ·         2007-2010 Featured on Better CT Channel 3 as a Fitness Expert
• ·         2009-2010 96.5 TIC FM's Damon Scott radio show as the weekly Fitness Expert
• ·         2007-2010 The Mary Jones Radio Show, WDRC-AM 1360 - guest Fitness Expert
• ·         2008-2010 West Hartford Community Television - Fitness Expert and Group Instructor on air
• ·         1990-2010 Guest Speaker on ESPN, WHCN, WCCC, WDRC
• ·         2002-2010  President - Board of Directors at Chrysalis Center Inc.
• ·         2009 BS in Organizational Leadership, Quinnipiac University
• ·         2007-2008 Published writer for Natural Nutmeg Magazine
• ·         2007-2008 Nutmeg Community Television - Fitness Expert and Group Instructor on air
• ·         2000 40 Under 40 Award from the Hartford Business Journal
• ·         2004 Licensed Professional Mountain Biker
• ·         1998-2004 CT State and Regional Mountain Bike Champion
• ·         1990-1997 CT State Bodybuilding Champion and National Competitor
• ·         1974-1980 VT State Gymnastic Champion and Junior Olympics Competitor
• ·         3 years coursework in Health Sciences

·         Currently studying for Master's Degree in Nutrition

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