Strength Training For Strong Bones

A normal aspect of aging is the general weakening of muscle tissue and bones throughout the body. A sure way to reduce the stress on our weakening bones is to increase our muscle mass through strength training. EVERYONE can get a benefit from strength training no matter what age or physical condition. (and yes…you can start lifting weights at 90 years of age)

Strength training is a safe and effective method of reversing muscle loss in the elderly. This muscle loss is called sarcopenia. This condition actually begins around forty five years of age. At that time, the average person’s muscle mass begins to decline at the rate of about one percent per year.

Due to the natural deterioration of the body. Strength training is a important aspect of senior physical exercise routines. Strength training helps prevent the breakdown of healthy muscle, tissue and bones. Strength training also strengthens connective tissues(ligaments) around the muscles and joints. When you add in the benefits of doing some sort of exercise in general, it can add years of vitality to your life.

The stronger a person’s body is. The less chance of an injury occurring from an accident. A stronger body will be more resistant to virus related illnesses. You recover faster, feel better, sleep more soundly…the benefits are endless.

Recent findings show that positive impacts of a twelve week strength training program. In a group of volunteers with the joint disease osteoarthritis. Muscle strength increase by 14 percent and balanced improve fifty five percent after the 12 week program.

Another group of volunteers with chronic kidney disease using the same twelve week program also had some profound results. These volunteers on low protein diets, still increased their muscle fiber by thirty two percent and muscle strength by thirty percent after training. This was in contrast to those who did not train. This group about nine pounds or three percent of their body weight.

When it comes to strength training there are generally two types that are taught. These are body sculpting and body building. Body sculpting is the best form of trailing for seniors. This form seems to fill their needs. Body sculpting theory generally speaks to the ability of women to add about five pounds of muscle mass. Men will ad about ten pounds of muscle mass. this form of training is not about getting “bulked up”. It is more focused on increasing the muscles you use on a daily basis in your everyday life.

The best part is you don’t have to used heavy weights…and in some cases no weights at all. (I know of a 88 year old man who trains using two large cans of beans from the grocery store.)

Weight training should be done in very short sessions. Not only does excess work out time reduces the body building aspects of the work out. To start no more the two exercises or 15 minutes if your new to working out or are over the age of 75 when you start.

Work outs should be done in very short sessions for the best results. When weight training seeks to workout twice per week with two days rest among each session.

The USGSF staff teach old world strength training using Kettlebells as a fun new exercise for both strength and fitness

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