A miracle cure for ageing is here that boosts energy levels and improves health—strength training—it prevents muscle loss after 40 and builds curves not bulk. And the best thing about strength training is that, unlike all other anti-aging products that are relentlessly promoted, it costs nothing and is universally available.After the age of 40, muscle is lost at a rate of three kilos per decade. As the body’s metabolic rate slows down, less energy is expended to burn fat so fat deposits accumulate beneath the skin. The outer skin loses its’ elasticity as a result of dwindling connective tissue and the body appears to sag. Weight gain occurs as a result of muscle loss because muscles affect how the body burns energy—less muscle means fewer kilojoules burned. But, muscle loss is preventable and the antidote to the downhill slide to old age is exercise—more specifically, strength training. Working out with weights or resistance bands trims muffin tops and tones jelly arms; it makes the body function better, aids weight loss and creates curves in the right places.In just a couple of months of strength training two or three times a week, research shows it is possible to lose a kilo and a half of fat; meanwhile, the body will burn 140-200 kilojoules more each day for every half-kilo of muscle gained. The effects of strength training on health are encouraging too, because it can help lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar and stabilise cholesterol levels.Improved health results in more energy to complete daily tasks and, although beneficial to both men and women, strength training is particularly important for women because of their lack of testosterone which helps build muscles.Image: iko/ShutterstockResources:The Miracle of Muscle – Paula Goodyer, Fit & Firm Forever – TheFoodCoach