Who wants to get old? No one over the age of 21 – but it’s one of life’s unfortunate inevitables along with taxes (unless you’re HSBC, it seems).

But the good news is that exercising can offset the ageing process.

As we get older growth hormone production decreases and there is a weakening and loss of muscle mass. This has serious effects on the metabolism, because amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, are stored in muscle.

So beefing up is not just about getting a six-pack – it can keep you young.

Increased physical fitness also boosts growth hormone release, counteracting the effects of ageing.

Building up your muscle mass also improves

• coordination and balance, helping people avoid falls
• joint flexibility and mobility
• cardiovascular and respiratory function
• bone strength, making people less prone to fractures

Regular exercise also helps prevents heart disease, type two diabetes, cancer, and depression – so why do so few people do it?

In 2011, a report by the Chief Medical Officer found that only 40% of men and 28% of women in England do enough exercise to achieve health benefits.

There are many reasons why, but it is never too late to get fit. The human body responds to exercise, no matter what its age.

The key is finding an exercise regime that suits you individual needs and limitations.