Old dogs can learn new tricks

What does Chelsea Handler have in common with Ryan Gosling? They both know that resistance/ strength training is key to staying in shape—and staying with your exercise routine. Handler says she made a mental shift and now she pumps to feel stronger in mind and body, and it’s very motivating.

A new study out of Finland found that doing resistance training builds confidence along with muscle, and that makes exercise more enjoyable, so you end up sticking with it for the long run. Although these researchers were looking at folks over age 65, the lesson applies to all ages.

If you’re sedentary, it’s hard to reconnect with your body. That’s why, unfortunately, around 80 percent of the 66 million Americans with gym memberships never or rarely go. If that’s you, you’re missing out on a key way to make exercise a regular and fun part of your life. Your body likes to go out and have a good time!

Start by doing strength building at home with hand weights or stretchy bands. And when you’re doing stretching/strength-building exercises, you’ll discover how much your body loves you back when you show it some love—and love is precisely what strength building is to your organs, muscles, bones and brain.

So if you’re having trouble getting into “Sweatin’ to the Oldies,” try building up your resolve (and muscles) with two to three 20-minute strength-building sessions weekly. Once you feel the love (along with the burn) you won’t want to give it up!