Over the years I have served as head strength coach to many teams and agencies. I have worked with individual athletes in sports including football, track and field, horseback riding, basketball, wrestling, tennis, baseball, and gymnastics. I’ve seen firsthand how strength training (exercising with weights) enhances athletic performance.

I really do enjoy working with athletes, but have found that same very meaningful progress can be made by folks doing everyday activities. With proper strategy, everyone can get remarkably stronger and gain better balance at any age. It doesn’t matter if you’re 12 or 92, you can still obtain great results.

Let me give you an example. Many years ago, a lady came to me who was in her mid-80s. She had never worked out before, but I assured her I would teach her everything she needed to know.

We started slowly, and she stuck with it and worked consistently. One day she came in with a big grin on her face. I asked what she was so happy about. To my surprise she told me she could finally put dishes on the top shelf of her kitchen cabinets, and had not had the strength to do so for many years. I’d never thought about things like that before. That was the first time I truly realized just how many aspects of our lives are affected by our strength, or lack thereof.

When weight training, it’s important to stick with it. Remember, in the weight room, consistency is even more important than effort. Weight training is beneficial for people of all ages. It’s been shown to not just turn the clock back for our muscles, but our whole bodies.

In addition, weight training is crucial when trying to lose body fat, because it raises metabolism. Lifting weights properly is a great way to build bone density, too. It’s great to create much better balance.

If you are going to begin a weight-training program, I recommend you get instruction from an experienced trainer. This will not only help keep you safe, but accelerate your progress. Whether you’re a man or woman, weight training can change your life for the better. Learning to perform weight training is a step-by-step process. Slow and steady wins this race. Anyone, at any age can learn, but remember, be consistent and learn proper technique. You’ll be healthier and stronger for it.

Diet or exercise question? Email me at dwcrocker77@gmail.com. David Crocker of Landrum has been a nutritionist and master personal trainer for 29 years. He served as director of the strength department of the Spartanburg Y.M.C.A., head strength coach for the USC Upstate baseball team, the S.C. state champion girls gymnastic team, and the Converse College equestrian team. He served as a water safety instructor to the United States Marine Corps, lead trainer to L.H. Fields modeling agency, and taught for four semesters at USC Union. David was also a regular guest of the Pam Stone radio show.