Add resistance to your workout to stay strong

According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, regular strength training can help manage blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels. It also helps prevent and control heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Plus, it’s shown to improve the symptoms of arthritis.

Here are four health benefits of strength training for older adults.

1. Helps reduce your fall risk
   Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Maintaining muscle mass as you age is crucial to staying steady on your feet, reports the National Institutes of Health.
2. Helps keep your bones healthy
   Every time you take a step, press into a squat, or do a biceps curl, you may increase your bone density and slow down the rate of natural bone loss due to the aging process.
3. Helps boost your mood
   Strength training helps to release endorphins, the brain’s “happy chemicals” that are released when you break a sweat. Strength training also helps manage and relieve stress.
4. Helps make easy work of daily tasks
   Strong muscles are also key for better balance and safely performing activities, such as climbing stairs and carrying groceries.

HealthSelect^SM Medicare Advantage participants have access to extra benefits to help improve your fitness and overall health–at no additional cost.

• SilverSneakers^® fitness program is designed for Medicare plan members. It includes membership to a participating fitness center, and online classes and workshops. Visit SilverSneakers.com or call toll-free (888) 423-4632, (TTY: 711). 
• Rally Coach includes wellness coaching with online support and wellness courses. Visit rallyhealth.com/retiree or call toll-free (800) 478-1057, (TTY: 711).
• For more information on the benefits of the HealthSelect Medicare Advantage plan, visit HealthSelect-MAPPO.com or call toll-free (855) 853-0453, (TTY: 711), 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. CT, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT, Saturday.

Participants in the HealthSelect of Texas plans, administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), also have additional benefits to help guide them on their road to wellness.

• HealthSelect participants can apply to join weight management program Wondr Health online at enroll.wondrhealth.com for free.
• Real Appeal is a free online weight loss program that delivers real results. Contact Real Appeal at (844) 924-7325, Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. CT or visit realappeal.com/healthselect
• Join the HealthSelect Fitness Program and get unlimited access to more than 9,000 fitness centers nationwide with no contract required. Visit https://healthselect.bcbstx.com/health-and-wellness-incentives/fitness-program
• Well onTarget is a suite of integrated wellness offerings designed to help you reach your health goals. Contact BCBSTX toll-free at (800) 252-8039 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, 7 a. m. – 3 p.m. CT or log in to your Blue Access for Members account mybam.bcbstx.com/ for more information.