As we age, hormonal levels diminish and our skin, muscles and bones begin to deteriorate. A good anti-aging exercise regime should stimulate hormone production and promote strength and flexibility.

Studies have shown that nothing works better to attain anti-aging effects than a regular exercise program. 'Regular' is the key word - unless your exercise program is consistent, the process won't have the same effect.

There are certain types of exercises that will help you stay active, live a longer and happier life and stay mentally alert. How often and how strenuous you make your exercise program depends on your personal goals in the area of overall health, desired level of fitness and the lifestyle you would like to maintain or achieve.

Building a Strong Foundation to Reap Anti-Aging Results

There are three definitive categories of exercise that must be given attention in order to create an effective anti-aging regimen:

1. Flexibility - Maintaining flexibility is critical to your overall quality of life so it is vitally important for defying the aging process. Flexibility exercises help you maintain a normal range of motion in joints thus decreasing your risk of injury.  These exercises increase circulation and release serotonin, which is a chemical produced by the brain that is necessary for overall health and well-being. Flexibility exercises are also safe and easy to perform.
2. Strength Building - Strength training exercises are an absolute must if you want to look and feel younger than your age. They help to maintain or even increase your muscle mass (no ladies you won't bulk up unless you are eating too many calories) which will give you a lean athletic appearance. The added muscle will also keep your metabolism elevated so you will burn more fat. These exercises will help build sturdiness and sustain bone mass. Your chances of having a debilitating injury are lessened as you build your muscle strength. Exercises to improve the muscles in your shoulders, back and legs will also help with hormone production.
3. Cardiovascular - Designed to keep your heart healthy, remember the heart is a muscle too and it needs your attention. Aerobic exercises (with oxygen) also help fight depression and keep your weight down. Running, brisk walking and any other exercise that will increase your heart rate for a sustained period of time release brain chemicals that produce hormones. A great way to reduce your workout time and get both strength training and cardiovascular exercise in at the same time is through circuit or interval training.

Other benefits of regular physical activity:

• Reduce the risk of premature death
• Reduce the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease
• Reduce high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure
• Reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol
• Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer
• Reduce the risk of developing diabetes
• Reduce or maintain body weight or body fat
• Build and maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints
• Reduce depression and anxiety
• Improve psychological well-being
• Enhanced work, recreation, and sports performance

Remember to check with your physician before starting any new exercise program and as always seek the guidance of a trained fitness professional.