Stay strong

Did you know that after age 30 you start to lose muscle mass?  Losing muscle mass can contribute to additional weight gain and a host of other unhealthy conditions like diabetes.  According to a study done by Brenda Davy, a professor of nutrition at Virginia Tech, less muscle may raise the risk of diabetes because muscle is where the body sends most of its blood sugar (glucose) to be stored or burned.  Less muscle lowers your metabolic rate, meaning you burn fewer calories while resting.  Resistance training is a great way to increase or maintain your muscle mass.  More muscle mass increases the tissue that can use glucose and thus keep the pounds off.  Aerobic exercise and weight training together make a great combination to help keep your body healthy and strong.  So get out there and move!  Even in your daily activites try to get in a little more movement.  Take the stairs, park a little further from the entrance to stores, work, etc.  Get out and walk your dog, play with the kids, ride your bike.  Get to the gym at least 3 times per week to weight train and get in some cardio most days of the week.  You'll feel and look better!