We may be aware that as we get older our metabolism which is our bodies engine does not operate as well as it used too when we were younger and the food we eat isn't processed so easily.

We may start to notice that our clothes don't fit as well and there is soft spongy fat in places that it never used to be. However, one thing will never change ? a no exercise lifestyle combined with eating too much will cause you to gain weight over time. And you can't really use age as an excuse as lots of older people are in great shape.

What does influence whether we gain body fat or not are the choices we make on a daily basis throughout our lives. The consequences of these good or bad choices are not noticed straight away but they add up over time and set the stage for either vitality and great health or disease and misery for the last 10-20 years of one's life.

Our lifestyles create the body we have to live with and the effects of poor lifestyle choices are multiplied as we age. If we become overweight it increases our risk of "lifestyle diseases" which could include the big three, heart disease, cancer or diabetes and dozens of other nasty illnesses and conditions.

An important lifestyle choice is your activity level and whether you take some time out of your day a 2-3 times per week to perform a proper exercise program that contains strength building and maintaining exercise. This will give you much greater control over your body weight and allow you to eat more food without gaining weight.

At any stage in your life, no matter how old you are you can benefit from a proper exercise program and improved nutrition. Anything that will reduce your body fat level and improve strength and fitness will assist in helping you to not only live longer but enable you to enjoy that time more and get the most out of your life.

Starting your exercise program and taking the time to improve your nutrition is the best way to turn back the body clock and it is never too late to start winding back the years. Obviously the sooner you start the better but just getting starting is the essential ingredient that you need right now.

If you are new to exercise it is important that you seek the help of a fitness professional to set up your program and teach you how to perform it correctly. Don't waste your time on ineffective low intensity activities like walking or other recreational activities that won't really help with body fat loss or strengthening your body. They are fine as part of an active lifestyle but shouldn't be considered a proper exercise program.

You may not see many positive effects of your exercise program immediately but rather expect the benefits to accumulate over a period of time. Just like making deposits into your bank account you are making deposits into your exercise account. Before too long you have a growing balance that help strengthens the likelihood of creating a better quality of life for yourself both now and in the future.