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Jack and Jill Should Build Muscle Strength Now--Before Heading Over the Hill

Building strength during the upward climb of adulthood may yield improved health on the other side of the hill. The results of this research article caution young and middle-aged adults to work on their strength and endurance now--before heading into their golden years. People who do no activities to strengthen their muscles are at risk for more physical limitations later in life. The advice usually given to elderly people to stay active appears to be equally important for young and middle-aged adults.

Researchers measured the physical strength and fitness of 3658 healthy men and women. They were scored in bench and leg press, sit-ups, and treadmill tests. Over about five years, everyone in the study answered questions about their physical abilities. People who were weaker when first tested were found to have more physical limitations at the time of follow-up. New health problems caused some of these limitations. However, poor strength and aerobic fitness scores were also important factors in whether people developed functional limitations.

Adults of all ages are encouraged to keep physically fit. The authors conclude that people should do both aerobic exercise and activities to strengthen muscles to avoid limitations in their later years. So maybe Jack and Jill should fetch a few extra pails of water before they hit the top of the hill, to avoid tumbling down the other side.

References: Patricial A. Brill, et al. Muscular Strength and Physical Function. In Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. February 2000. Vol. 32. No. 2. Pp. 412-416.

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