When joints become crowded, their natural gaps and lubrication are reduced, and grinding wears them down even further. Weight training prevents and relieves these maladies. There are other factors that I feel connect exercise with a longer life. Exercise encourages a healthy lifestyle. It is well-recognized that those who begin a fitness program concomitantly reduce or even stop smoking, avoid junk foods, control consumption of alcohol, and begin thinking optimistically about themselves.
Exercise controls the progression of, and can even reverse, obesity .
People who exercise burn additional calories, preventing the deposition of fat inside the body while reducing their percentages of stored body fat. Contrary to popular belief, exercise does not have to be vigorous or difficult in order to be beneficial. As long as an extra demand is placed upon the body above what is normally experienced, the body will become conditioned, adapt to the new stress, and become stronger and healthier. With this strategy of progressive resistance, year-round progress is assured as the body is paced within its own metabolic capabilities and recovers nicely. Training for a marathon doesn't have to be your answer for health and longevity, especially if a 2-mile walk or run is your own best prescription for health.