Most people know that activities like walking are important for health but many do not understand the importance of strength training. Strength training becomes even more important as we get older to help us overcome the loss of muscle and weakness that comes with aging. When I ran the gym I invited one of my neighbors, a 60-year old astrophysicist, to stop by and take a look. He said, "I don't need a gym; I'm not trying to lose weight". I explained we were focused on building and maintaining strength, not weight loss. I realized that, like many people, even very educated people, he did not understand how important strength training is for older people.
Adults who do not participate in regular strength training activity begin to lose muscle during their late 30’s and 40’s. We lose muscle even faster once we get past 50. Muscle loss leads to weakness and weakness can lead to loss of balance and falls. Loss of muscle tissue can also aggravate disorders like diabetes and osteoporosis.
For years, people thought that muscle loss was just an unavoidable part of getting older. But, we have learned that muscle loss comes from inactivity, not just from aging. Some muscle loss can be prevented or reversed with activity and strength training. Men and women of any age (even in their 90's) can build muscle and regain strength. An 80-year-old former football player will not match the strength he had at 25, but he can get stronger, decrease his risk of falls and injury, and stay active and independent.
And don't worry, the kind of strength training you will do will not make you "bulk up" and look like a bodybuilder. But you will tone and shape your muscles.
One of the oldest clients in our fitness center was a delightful 89-year old musician who was trim and attractive but quite weak when she joined us. She had never exercised in a gym before. She enjoyed the gym and came in regularly. After a few months of working out she went to a rehearsal with her musical group. It was a warm day so she took off her jacket. One of the other women in her orchestra exclaimed, "Sonia, you've got muscles in your arm!" Sonia was quite pleased.
Adults who do not participate in regular strength training activity begin to lose muscle during their late 30’s and 40’s. We lose muscle even faster once we get past 50. Muscle loss leads to weakness and weakness can lead to loss of balance and falls. Loss of muscle tissue can also aggravate disorders like diabetes and osteoporosis.
For years, people thought that muscle loss was just an unavoidable part of getting older. But, we have learned that muscle loss comes from inactivity, not just from aging. Some muscle loss can be prevented or reversed with activity and strength training. Men and women of any age (even in their 90's) can build muscle and regain strength. An 80-year-old former football player will not match the strength he had at 25, but he can get stronger, decrease his risk of falls and injury, and stay active and independent.
And don't worry, the kind of strength training you will do will not make you "bulk up" and look like a bodybuilder. But you will tone and shape your muscles.
One of the oldest clients in our fitness center was a delightful 89-year old musician who was trim and attractive but quite weak when she joined us. She had never exercised in a gym before. She enjoyed the gym and came in regularly. After a few months of working out she went to a rehearsal with her musical group. It was a warm day so she took off her jacket. One of the other women in her orchestra exclaimed, "Sonia, you've got muscles in your arm!" Sonia was quite pleased.