Well the facts are, if you do not participate in some very vigorous activity you will certainly not feel very young for long. This slowing down business surely means "idly" as in not doing any physical "work". How is it that it is okay for society to accept and even encourage a lack of physical activity among people once they get past 40? Isn't there enough information out there that proves we should be doing exactly the opposite?

You see, after age 30 unless you work hard to keep it you will lose your very precious muscle tissue that drives your body's engine. When we are young it has lots of power and strength but as we get older it dwindles down till it could be likened to a little motor scooter. This happens not because of the number of candles on our birthday cake but on the amount of muscle building and maintaining exercise we do (or don't do).

This loss of muscle tissue is very critical for our health and well-being as when it shrinks it takes with it our very life force, siphoning our strength, our energy, our robustness, our vitality and leaves us exposed to nasty diseases which could well cut our life short.

There can be a very big decline in our functioning ? weakened muscles, stiff and painful joints, low energy levels etc due to this loss of muscle tissue. The human body if not used will waste away into a weakened shell unless you make an effort to keep it strong and fit. Proper exercise is not just an option or a choice it is essential as a preventative measure to keep our bodies functioning for the whole of our lifespan.

The "disuse" syndrome that we have been sucked into taking part in makes you feel old, and this leads to a downward spiral of becoming less and less active. The newest focus, however, is the use of proper exercise to protect us against the many degenerative diseases and conditions that were once thought to be a natural part of aging.

A new body of research on physical activity and the aging process shows that a lifestyle full of vigorous exercise can make you look and feel years or even decades younger. A proper exercise program combats the effects of aging by stimulating "youth" hormones which instruct every cell in your body to repair, rebuild or renew itself. It strengthens muscles and bones, helps you lose any excess weight, reduces stress, increases energy and makes you feel great, all of which helps you look and feel so much more youthful.

Don't worry if you are past 40 and have not yet started your exercise program, because the good news: it is never too late to start. You do not have to let this "disuse" syndrome affect you.

Here is what you need to do ? seek the help of a fitness professional to set up your program and teach you how to perform it properly. Just 2-3 sessions per week can turn your life around improving muscle tone, increasing flexibility, power, endurance, and will help you lose unwanted body fat. An exercise program that contains strength training exercise is the ultimate tonic for rejuvenating and revitalizing the body.

If you take this self care responsibility on yourself you can reduce or even eliminate the need to be doctor and drug reliant. You won't need them you will be so well, healthy and youthful no matter what your age. Get started right away and reap the priceless health benefits that you are entitled too.

Don't listen to other people when they tell you that you should be slowing down and taking it easy. Just smile to yourself knowing that you will be even younger next year.