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Strength training helps combat the natural effects of aging by building muscle mass, increasing bone density, boosting metabolism and improving functional fitness.
Senior woman lifting weights in living room....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>
When you hear the term “healthy aging,” you may feel it’s something that doesn’t apply to you yet. But we need to be concerned about our longevity earlier than we think. After age 30, men and women lose about 3–8% of their muscle mass per decade and this loss accelerates after age 60.
This is especially true for women since menopause further exacerbates bone and muscle loss. Plus, women have traditionally been less likely to engage in strength training, often choosing cardio-focused exercise out of fear of bulking up.
Not only does a regular strength-training routine help to combat the natural loss of muscle mass, but it strengthens our bones (which also weaken with age) and can even add years to our life, according to a study published in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The study found that women who strength trained two to three times a week were more likely to live longer and were 30% less likely to die from heart disease.
That’s why, in honor of Women’s Health Month, we tapped our Start TODAY experts to create a fitness challenge that is designed to help make strength training a consistent part of your routine, while also introducing some other important modalities that can help everyone stay strong and healthy as they age.
“What I love is seeing more women and people over 50 increasingly recognizing the importance of strength training,” says Natalie Yco, Start TODAY fitness trainer and creator of the “Best Butt Ever” program for Equinox. “My middle-aged clients often notice significant changes in their body composition and strength, but what stands out to me is the boost in their mood and self-esteem. Additionally, this newfound awareness often leads them to adopt healthier habits overall.
