If you’re like most people, you probably think weightlifting isn’t for you, right? Maybe you think it’s just for younger people who want big muscles. And if you didn’t want that back then, you sure don’t want it now, right?

But wait. There’s more to it.

Did you know that strength training is so much more important after age 50 – and for reasons that are far more relevant and compelling than looking good at the beach? (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!)

Strength training means more than just pumping heavy iron. It also means using machines, practicing yoga, and even performing body-weight exercises with no equipment at all. The key is resistance, not steel bars.

Here are just seven of the main reasons mature people should be strength training on a regular basis.

1. It slows age-related muscle loss and increases muscle mass and quality. We all lose muscle as we age, but we need it to stay strong enough to function in daily activities, not to mention to travel, enjoy sports, and play with grandkids.

2. Resistance training burns fat. Think it’s all about cardio? Wrong.

3. Weight training improves balance -- both when standing still and when moving, thus lowering the risk of falls.

4. It eases arthritis pain, lowers blood pressure, and fights obesity. (Wait – that’s three great reasons in one!)

5. Strength training builds bones and fights osteoporosis. This is an extra motivation for women, who lose a small percentage of bone mass each year after menopause.

6. It fights depression among older adults, as well as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other chronic ailments.

7. Weightlifting helps you sleep better, which in turn helps you lift weights better.

Plus, let’s not forget this: It’s fun!

If you spent your earlier years thinking that weightlifting isn't for you, come in and let me show you how to enjoy it now.

It’s never too late, and I'm here to help.