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Studies show that strength training is a good idea when we are young and it's a better idea as we age. Traditional training and Pilates can supply strength training exercises, balance and flexibility, all important age defying benefits.

As we age, we lose 3-5% of our lean muscle mass for every decade after the age of 25. That information alone is enough to get you started with a strength training program. It's not impossible to continue gaining strength as we age. We just need to work at it. And the need to keep our muscle mass is important.

Under a microscope, the muscle fiber of a twenty year old looks like that of a seventy year old. Studies have proven that we can start a strength training routine later in life, even if we haven't ever had one before, and see results. That gives the phrase "it's never too late" new meaning. Start building muscle now to avoid frailty later.

Muscle mass isn't the only loss age delivers. Loss of balance, flexibility, and stamina also wane. Pilates and traditional strength training are available to all ages and any level of fitness and can help to restore the losses of age.

When thinking about aging well, I am reminded of two very special people. One a client from my days in a New York Pilates studio, and the other my grandfather.

Elsa was age 92. She was petite, loved to ice skate, and even rode the stationary bike after our sessions. We had a regular strength training routine and stretching exercises that we did every week when she came for her Pilates session. She managed to keep fit, healthy, and active well into her eighties and nineties.

As well, my 96 year old grandfather lived at home in good health to the very end. He never thought about his age nor did he ever act "old". Life never got him down and he kept very active all his life.

These two remarkable people have something in common that I believe is the key to longevity. An active lifestyle, a social network, and a sunny disposition can help in adding years and joy to your life. Add in a little luck from the gene pool and there you are. Strength training is an important piece to any healthy lifestyle, and it's never too late to reap the benefits of regular exercise.