Think it’s too late to start resistance training?

Think it’s too late to start resistance training?

Think again!  You should be training like your life depends on it, because it does.

Lean muscle mass plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of the aging population. Here are 7 reasons you need to be weight training.

1. Metabolism: Lean muscle increases resting metabolic rate, which helps in maintaining a healthy weight. As people age, metabolism tends to slow down, and having more muscle can counteract this.

2. Strength and Mobility: Maintaining and building lean muscle helps improve strength and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. This is particularly important for older adults, who may experience decreased muscle mass and strength.

3. Bone Health: Muscle mass is closely linked to bone density. Weight-bearing exercises that promote lean muscle growth can help strengthen bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

4. Chronic Disease Management: Higher levels of lean muscle are associated with better management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Muscle tissue helps with glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

5. Functional Independence: Maintaining lean muscle mass supports daily activities and functional independence. This allows older adults to perform tasks such as climbing stairs, carrying groceries, and other essential activities.

6. Mental Health: Engaging in strength training and physical activity can improve mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The process of building muscle can also enhance self-esteem and overall quality of life.

7. Recovery: Adequate muscle mass aids in recovery from illness or injury, allowing older adults to regain their strength and function more quickly.

Preserving and enhancing lean muscle mass is vital for promoting health, independence, and quality of life among the aging population.

Do you need more convincing on how important resistance training is especially for older adults?

Check out these statistics associated with falls among older adults.

1. Prevalence: Approximately 1 in 4 older adults (aged 65 and older) falls each year in the United States. This equates to around 36 million falls annually.

2. Injury Rates: Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults. More than 800,000 patients annually are hospitalized due to injuries related to falls, such as hip fractures and head trauma.

3. Hip Fractures: About 300,000 older adults are hospitalized for hip fractures each year, with falls being the primary cause of these fractures.

4. Mortality: Falls can lead to serious consequences, including death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 32,000 older adults die from fall-related injuries each year in the U.S.

5. Recurring Falls: Once an older adult falls, they are more likely to fall again. Studies show that about 30% of older adults who fall will experience a subsequent fall within a year.

6. Economic Impact: The total medical costs for falls in older adults exceed $50 billion annually in the United States, including hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and long-term care.

7. Risk Factors: Key risk factors for falls include age, previous falls, muscle weakness, balance problems, vision issues, and certain medications.

8. Prevention: Effective fall prevention programs can reduce falls by 20-30%. Interventions may include strength and balance training, home safety assessments, and medication reviews.

I know how hard it can be to start something new.  Especially when you’re older.  Trust me when I tell you that you can do it!

Even if you have never worked out before.  I know because I did it.  I did it older, inexperienced and overweight.  I did it and it changed my life in ways I never even imagined.  You can too!

Let’s get training!  The life you want is waiting for you!