A man and his coach performing a leg stretch in a personal training in a gym, demonstrating fitness and flexibility exercises.

Mitigating Muscle Loss in Aging: The Power of Resistance Exercise

August 12, 20241 min read

"Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t."

Introduction:

As we age, maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly challenging due to sarcopenia and periods of muscle disuse from inactivity or illness. This can lead to accelerated muscle loss, increased risk of falls, and reduced quality of life. However, resistance training (RT) is a potent tool to counteract this decline. Incorporating exercises like weightlifting or resistance band workouts, along with adequate protein intake, can help older adults regain strength, reduce frailty, and improve mobility. It's essential to make RT accessible to older populations to combat muscle atrophy effectively..

A man and his coach performing a leg stretch in a personal training in a gym, demonstrating fitness and flexibility exercises.

With that said, here are 6 Tips why you should start Resistance Training!👊

  • Start Small and Build Gradually: Begin with lighter weights or resistance bands and slowly increase intensity as your strength improves.

  • Consistency is Key: Aim to include resistance training in your routine at least 2-3 times a week for the best results.

  • Focus on Form: Proper form reduces the risk of injury and ensures that you’re effectively targeting the right muscle groups.

  • Incorporate a Variety of Exercises: Engage different muscle groups by incorporating exercises like squats, lunges, and chest presses.

  • Combine with Protein-Rich Diet: Support muscle recovery and growth by consuming sufficient dietary protein, especially post-workout.

  • Stay Motivated: Set achievable goals and track your progress to maintain motivation.

Start incorporating resistance training into your routine today. Set a goal to begin with two
sessions this week and gradually increase as you gain confidence and strength. Remember, every step you take towards improving your muscle mass and overall health is a step towards a stronger, more independent future.

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