(Remember, strong is the new thin!)

1. You’re At Risk For Losing One-Third Of Your Muscle Mass

As we get older we all experience a scary little process I call “The Great Decline.” Every decade we lose muscle mass, and as we age, the percentage of loss just keeps accelerating. By age 60, the average person will have forfeited one-third of his/her muscle mass. The good news:  you can reverse it with strength training. There’s no age limit on our ability to add muscle and stop “The Great Decline.”

2. Strength Training Helps You Handle Carbs

More muscle mass strongly correlates with improved insulin sensitivity. This means you have better glucose control so you can handle carbohydrates better and reduce your risk for diabetes. By increasing the amount of two different types of muscle fibers in your body, you can more easily manage your blood sugar levels.

3. Muscle Burns More Calories Than Fat

Muscle burns more calories than fat. More importantly, muscle makes you stronger so you’re naturally  more physical throughout the day. And, your other activities…from walking, to hiking to climbing up the stairs can be performed at a higher intensity, which means you’re burning even more calories in your workout and your daily life.

4. Strong Muscles Protect your Heart

Lean, fit bodies have a lower rate of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends strength training as a way to reduce your risk of heart disease – it helps you lose visceral fat (fat around the abdomen that surrounds the body’s internal organs) — the most dangerous type when it comes to cardiovascular health.

5. Bye bye back pain

If you have back pain or posture problems the best non-surgical alternative for remedying this is strength training. A strong core supports your lower back and protects you from injury. And, strong back muscles contribute to good posture. The bonus: good posture naturally makes your abdomen look flatter.

6. Your Sex Life Will Reward You

But you didn’t hear it from me. Strength training is a must when it comes to reshaping your body, targeting “trouble spots,” and transforming your figure into a younger, fitter, and yes, sexier you. Not only does it help you improve your state of mind and ensure that you look terrific in a bathing suit . . . but building muscle actually improves sexual function.

Beat “The Great Decline” and tone your muscles with the Staying Strong DVD 3-pack!