We have been misled into believing that genetics or "Lady Luck" determines how long we will live and if we will remain healthy. Simple formula: good genes, good health lucky you, long life. Bad genes, poor health, illness, short life.

In reality genetics only play a 6 - 10 % role in how long you will live. The amount of candles on your birthday cake is mostly determined by the choices you make every day especially exercise and food. The downward spiral of degeneration is not automatic or an inevitable part of the aging process. The shame of it is most of us age at an accelerated rate surrendering to the downward spiral and we don't even know it.

We slowly lose the will and energy to stay strong and active, muscles and joints begin to become stiff and painful. It hurts to move so and we start to make excuses not to have to. This loss of function doesn't happen out of the blue, it has been going on beneath the surface for years sometimes decades. It sneaks up on us; we lose a bit here and a bit there. We stop doing things, maybe a sport or activity that we used to enjoy. Or maybe we hire somebody to mow the lawn or do something that we used to do ourselves.

We lose our strength, flexibility and mobility by degrees often not realizing what is happening and certainly not doing anything to slow down this ticking time bomb. If you own a body that hurts and no longer performs as it should it becomes an intrusion in your life. If it hurts whenever you have pick something up off the floor or carry something heavy it sucks the life energy from you. Would this situation not make you wonder "if it is this bad now what is it going to be like for me in 10 or 20 years from now"?

You do have the ability to choose how you will age. You have two choices - surrender to the downward spiral and accept the fast road to getting much, older much quicker than you need to. Or take control and begin exercising and taking an active role in maintaining your muscle strength, flexibility and joint health.

Many objects work better when they get used regularly. Cars, machinery etc - it's the same with our body's muscles and joints. Put them through their paces at every opportunity whenever you can. By working at staying strong and active with an exercise program you are providing the necessary fuel to keep your body functioning well and preventing a host of muscle and joint problems as you get older.

Don't let your world become smaller and less enjoyable by relinquishing or losing your physical capabilities. Exercise is not a frivolous pastime or optional luxury; it is a form of preventative medicine, an essential ingredient for maintaining healthy bodies and minds.

If you haven't already, start an exercise program that incorporates at least 60% strength training exercise. Don't accept that you have to slide into a downward spiral of performance and appearance as you age. You can slow the ticking clock with a simple solution of strength training exercise.