Pumping weights could help you live longer – how to start at any age

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Helen O’Leary, physiotherapist and director of Complete Pilates, says: “Strength and weight training is any type of exercise that involves your own body weight or equipment to build muscle mass, endurance and strength. “However, some people are often put off by strength and weight training as they often associate it with body builders or are afraid of becoming ‘bulky’ – which is a misconception. The most important thing to remember is everyone is focused on their own training, so whilst it might feel like all eyes are on you, they actually aren’t.” Ask for help if you need it“There should be a member of staff on duty to help you with a full induction of the area, so take the opportunity to ask questions, familiarise yourself with the layout and understand how the different pieces of kit can be used,” says Best.Try it at home first if you perfer “For lots of my clients, nervousness about lifting weights in a public gym is a barrier that stops them starting,” she adds. “If you’re looking to build functional strength, your programme should be built around lifting heavy weights for lower repetitions.” Age shouldn’t matter but recovery does “No matter your age, make sure you’re building adequate recovery around your training.