People are always looking for secrets to fighting the aging process so they can look and feel younger. Many turn to surgery, chemical creams, or other fads or extreme measures that may or may not give results along with potential side effects. But strength training is a tried-and-true, all-natural method that really can turn back the clock and give you healthy results.

Doing a strength training workout just once a week can maintain your muscle.  It is recommended that you perform three sets during your strength training routine. Do two sets with eight reps each, and then during the third set, perform the exercise until your muscles are exhausted. (Use heavier weights if you can get to 12.)

This type of weight lifting routine can keep your metabolism up for as long as 39 hours after the workout. Also, muscle helps your body burn more calories, even when you’re not exercising, so you can ward off weight gain.

Now, what can you do to gain and maintain your muscle mass? Choose from weight machines, free weights, resistance training and body weight exercises. It’s a matter of preference, or you could always choose a variety of tools to keep your workouts fresh, interesting and motivating.