BUILD MUSCLE
Building and maintaining stamina through aerobic exercise is essential, but there are other ways to improve physical health. In particular, working with weights and other forms of resistance promotes better balance, stronger bones, weight control, and improved sleep. The benefits are so pronounced that the American College of Sports Medicine recommends the use of weights for all people over the age of 50. And while the advantages of weightlifting are substantial, the cost doesn’t have to be. You can use household objects including cans of food or milk jugs filled with sand or gravel, and rubber resistance bands cost just a few dollars each. Check sites such as Craigslist for good deals on sets of hand weights and simple barbells. Many communities have gyms with inexpensive memberships; check for senior discounts.