The Importance of Strength Training as we age

As we age, our bodies go through a natural process of muscle loss, known as sarcopenia. This process can lead to weakness, decreased mobility, and an increased risk of falls and injury. While many people believe that cardio exercise is the key to staying healthy as we age, strength training is just as important. In fact, strength training may be even more critical to maintaining overall health as we age. Here are some of the key reasons why:

1. Maintaining muscle mass: One of the most important benefits of strength training is that it can help maintain and even increase muscle mass. This is crucial because as we age, our bodies naturally lose muscle mass. By engaging in regular strength training exercises, we can slow down or even reverse this process. This can help us maintain our strength, mobility, and independence as we get older.

2. Improved bone density: Strength training has been shown to increase bone density, which is especially important for older adults who may be at risk for osteoporosis or other bone-related conditions. By improving bone density, strength training can help reduce the risk of fractures and other injuries.

3. Enhanced metabolism: Strength training can also help increase metabolism, which can make it easier to maintain a healthy weight as we age. This is important because carrying excess weight can increase the risk of a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

4. Improved balance and coordination: Another key benefit of strength training is that it can help improve balance and coordination. This is important because as we age, our balance and coordination can deteriorate, making us more susceptible to falls and other accidents. By engaging in regular strength training exercises, we can improve our balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and improving overall quality of life.

5. Enhanced cognitive function: Finally, strength training has been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive function. This is important because as we age, our cognitive function can decline, making it harder to perform everyday tasks and enjoy life to the fullest. By engaging in regular strength training exercises, we can improve our cognitive function, boosting our overall quality of life.

In sum, strength training is a crucial component of healthy aging. By maintaining muscle mass, improving bone density, enhancing metabolism, improving balance and coordination, and enhancing cognitive function, strength training can help us stay healthy, active, and independent as we age. Come into a Monday, Wed, or Friday strength dominant class at 10.40.10!  You will find a new kind of fitness! If you're not already engaging in regular strength training exercises, start at the best gym in America.

1. "The Benefits of Strength Training for Older Adults" from the National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/benefits-strength-training-older-adults

2. "Resistance Training for Older Adults: Position Statement From the National Strength and Conditioning Association" published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2019/04000/Resistance_Training_for_Older_Adults___Position.39.aspx

3. "Strength Training for Aging Adults" from the American Council on Exercise: https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/professional/expert-articles/7022/strength-training-for-aging-adults

4. "The Effects of Resistance Exercise Training on Cognitive Function in Elderly Persons" published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity: https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/japa/12/3/article-p327.xml

‍