You know, I was just thinking today of what to get my mom for Christmas, and I realized something. About 5 years ago, when she was 50-something years old, she lost a fair bit of weight (still 10 or 20 pounds above what she'd like to be) and got into walking a lot. She walks 4 or 5 times a week, about 3 miles at a time.

Well, it was 5 Christmases ago that I got her the book Strong Women Stay Young. I had the book Strong Women Stay Slim myself and love it.

Well, just this morning she mentioned on the phone to me about how she had to go and lift her weights a bit. Which made me realize, that for five years now she's been lifting weights! Like me, she's fallen off the wagon a month here, two months there, but for the most part she's been pretty consistent about it. Probably more consistent than me! And she still enjoys it.

So, I just thought that was neat. I'm really glad I got her that book and the weights for Christmas. She doesn't lift much weight. But she lifts enough to get the benefits from it, I'm sure.

Ahh, that's really cool! Your Mom's going to be healthier and live longer because of you.

When my boys come home for Christmas (the "boys" are 28 and 34), we're all going to the gym together. The oldest is really into bodybuilding, and the younger one has started getting into it, too. So I thought it would be fun for us to lift together. I'm thinking about getting them each an hour with a personal trainer at my gym because they've never had professional instruction, which can, IMHO, be really helpful.

Tell your mom we're cheering for her. That is so cool!

Weightlifting is fantastic for women of any age - especially those of us trying to lose weight - but I truly believe it's the Fountain of Youth for women over 50. It's the only way I know to keep bones strong, get/keep the weight off, get rid of the 'menopot' (menopausal pot belly ) and still look great in a cute pair of jeans once you're peri- and post-menopausal.

Good for you! And good for your mom! Speaking as a 64 year old who started lifting weights sporatically, in my 50's, and who is pretty much consistent now-a-days, your mom is forming habits that will keep her healthy and her bone density good as she ages, without the need for many of the medications that people need to take to help. She is doing it the "natural' way. Miriam Nelson's books are excellent...you may want to check out some of her newer books as possible presents for your mom this holiday season.