Many of us feel that it is inevitable that we will become less fit, heavier, and less toned as we get older.
That is a pretty depressing assessment and it is not necessarily true.
It will work that way if we are not vigilant about taking steps to reverse this undesirable trend but experts agree that there is much one can do to stay healthy, active and fit even as they move into old age.
So, what is the secret? It is actually not a secret at all, just a plan to keep the body moving and strong.
When we see people at the gym working feverishly with a punching bag or observe groups in their cycling jerseys pedaling up a steep incline for all they're worth we may not feel we're up to such rigorous activities but thankfully, there are others way to achieve the fitness we desire.
It does require commitment and determination because it is an uphill battle.
Experts seem to agree that as a person hits their late 30's their skin tends to loosen up as the texture undergoes changes.
It turns out that this is a result of falling estrogen levels in the body and a slowdown of the production of collagen which is the necessary protein supporting our organs, veins, skin and other parts of our bodies.
The reduced production of collagen results in sagging skin along with other negative occurrences.
As if that weren't enough, it generally coincides with loss of muscle mass which also occurs in the late 30's at the rate of about 1 percent per year.
Think down the road ten, twenty, or thirty years and you can see that this results in a significant loss of muscle mass.
When muscle mass is lost it is replaced by fat beneath the skin and accounts for a less toned appearance.
This all sounds fairly dismal but there is hope.
According to a number of doctors in the field of plastic surgery, individuals who maintain good muscle tone into their forties and fifties possess bodies that look entirely different than those who have not taken the necessary steps to preserve their bodies.
This involves some form of fat burning activities and healthy eating which combine to slow the effects of aging on the body.
Naturally it is optimal to begin the battle against the effects of aging as early as possible but it has been shown that even those in their 80's and 90's have been able to add muscle mass so we can't use age as an excuse for not working to get in shape.
A study done at Quincy College in Massachusetts determined that women between the ages of 21 and 80 who did at least 20 minutes of strength training two or three times weekly were able to add 2.
5 pounds of muscle to their body in a three- month period.
That is significant.
The belly fat that is such a trial for many women is due to falling estrogen levels which results in the storage of fat in the belly.
This shows itself as the dreaded tummy "pooch" and is often accompanied by the unwanted and unattractive "spare tire" around the mid section.
Luckily this area of fat storage can be reduced by exercise.
Studies confirm that those who strength train have significantly lower rates of body fat (especially in the stomach area) than those who avoid this type of training.
In addition, strength training can result in an increase in metabolism which is our calorie burning system.
The more calories burned, the more weight we lose.
While aging is inevitable, losing our fitness and strength does not have to be.
Begin a program to get in shape and reverse muscle loss and enlist in the battle against the effects of aging.