Resistance or Weight Training Reduces Artery Stiffness

Intense weight training can raise blood pressure to extremely high levels. Blood vessels in healthy young people tolerate high-pressure changes well because the vessels are pliable and strong- Blood vessels stiffen with age, making many physicians leery about recommending weight training to their older patients. These fears are unfounded- Japanese researchers found that weight training improves blood vessel function in healthy men over 60.

Twelve weeks of training increased nitric oxide levels, an important chemical for blood vessel control. Weight training didn't stiffen arterial walls, as feared by some physicians Weight training is an excellent exercise for older adults.

It improves metabolic health, strengthens bone and muscle, promotes normal joint function and improves the quality of life.