Given that man-made Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is a much sought after drug, this performance enhancing drug is stimulated naturally by lifting weights. Not only does it enhance performance, but HGH—which is produced by the pituitary gland in your brain—boosts muscle and reduces fat and is an important factor in the anti-aging process.Production of Human Growth Hormone peaks at around age 25 and declines gradually up to the age of 50, after which it drops sharply. Any kind of vigorous exercise increases production of HGH naturally but strength training has been shown to be most effective because it increases muscle mass. By reversing the loss of muscle mass common to aging, HGH will reduce the amount of fat stored in the body because more muscle tissue expends more kilojoules and uses up more fat. Greater muscle strength permits a higher level of activity which leads to better bone strength and a reduced risk of osteoporosis as you age.Studies have shown that it is necessary to do intense strength or weight training twice a week for up to 50 minutes each session for the body to naturally produce Human Growth Hormone. The point at which people feel the “burn” in their muscles is when HGH is produced. Another form of vigorous exercise that creates this effect is high intensity interval training where regularly-paced exercise is interspersed with short bursts of intense exercise.Weight training that builds muscle mass and produces Human Growth Hormone naturally will obviously make physical tasks easier and research on middle-aged women has shown that, after a year of strength training, these women were not only leaner, but 27 per cent more active.Image: Kzenon/ShutterstockResources:Can we prevent Aging – National Institute on AgingThe Miracle of Muscle – Paula Goodyer, Fit & Firm Forever – TheFoodCoach