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How many times have you heard people say that the reason they can't lose weight is because they have a slow metabolism? Or listen to others ex- plain that the reason they never gain weight is a naturally fast metabolism? The implication is that your metabolic rate-fast or slow-is a matter of genetic fate and out of your control. That's just not true. Metabolism is a function of muscle mass. If you have the metabolism of a napping snail, it's because you have a low ratio of muscle tissue to fat tissue. This is why resistance exercise using resistance bands or weights must be part of your workout routine. The more lean muscle mass you have, the higher your metabolism. The faster your metabolism, the easier it is for your body to burn-and avoid storing-fat. Even when you're resting! Resistance exercise tears down muscle fiber, which stimulates the pitu- itary gland to release human growth hormone. Human growth hormone is broadly recognized by the scientific and medical community as one of the body's most powerful hormones. Longevity experts believe it may be the key to reversing the effects of aging. It's also known as a ferocious fat burner. Human growth hormone mobilizes stored body fat to strained muscles, where it is burned as energy to repair torn muscle fiber. It's during this heal- ing process that muscles gain bulk, tone, and definition. Resistance exercise fuels your body's natural fat-burning cycle. Human growth hormone burns more fat and builds more muscle, which makes it even easier for your body to burn more fat. And every time you lift weights, this amazing process repeats itself! And you thought pumping iron was just for guys named Moose! Why Exercise Is Important Passive exercise is essential for proper muscle and joint health. It increases your flexibility-your ability to bend, stretch, and twist easily. It improves your balance and coordination, and it reduces your risk of injury. Regular passive exercise may even slow the progression of osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint conditions. There are two kinds of passive exercise: do-it-yourself stretching exer- cises and the muscle and joint mobilization performed by a qualified health care professional, such as a doctor of chiropractic. As you age, mus- cle stretching and joint mobilization will help preserve and improve your mobility and range of motion. Stretching before and after workouts will help you avoid pulled mus- cles, cramps, and a variety of other injuries. It will also speed your recovery. Moist heat and a skilled massage or physical therapist can do wonders to loosen knots and tight muscles. Your joints also need special attention. As you age, calcium salts seep into the joints, causing accelerated wear much the same way sand wears down gears in a machine. This contributes to a condition called os- teoarthritis, which over time often leads to restricted movement. Maintaining mobility is one of the keys to longevity and aging grace- fully.