Why Should Seniors Exercise?
The Aging Process
The aging process is characterized by the steady loss of muscle tissue and strength. This leads to loss of balance, stamina, bone density and resistance to illness and injury. All these thing we will experience as we age unless we slow down that process by increasing our muscle tissue and strength.
Strength Training
No one needs strength training more than seniors. Physicians and scientists recognize it as essential for continued health and mobility. Having a strong body is what will keep you independent in your later years.
Never Too Late To Start
Contrary to some beliefs, older adults can gain a significant amount of muscle strength. Take me for an example. I had never trained with weights before I started at age 59. It was difficult for me to bench press the 45lb bar and impossible for me to dead lift 135lbs. After 2 1/2 years of training I was able to bench press 120lbs and dead lift 300lbs. I hold 8 power lifting world records. I have been amazed at the strength I was able to gain and you can too. You do not have to lift heavy weights to benefit from strength training. Seniors train the same way younger people train, slow progression.
Strength Training/Resistance Training
These terms are interchangeable. Resistance training is any exercise that causes the muscles to contract against an external resistance. That external resistance could be the weight of your own body. With strength training we begin where you are. Resistance training preserves and increases strength, muscle capacity and balance. By so doing it decreases the risk of falling and other injury, increases and maintains mobility in the joints and this increases function in daily life.
Strength = Function
The most influential component of someones function is their strength capacity. No matter what age, an individual can realize strength improvement with resistance exercise on into their 80’s and 90’s. This picture is of one of our clients who started training when he was 79 years old. He had a sedentary job working at a computer for decades. He was in need of back surgery and had a frozen shoulder when he came to train with Michael. To begin with he was very weak and could hardly do one sit up. Through diligent training sessions his strength improved dramatically where he could beat anyone in the gym at core work. He increased his mobility in his shoulder and ended up being able to dead lift 300lbs at 85 years old!
Getting Started
If you are a senior desiring to begin strength training it is important that you seek out a qualified athletic trainer. Technique in movement is the key to building strength and avoiding injury. Technique is not something you can get from a YouTube video. One on one training is crucial as you begin your resistance training. The subtleties of movement have a profound affect on the muscle group you are trying to develop. That is why it is important to have a trainer who pays attention to detail and has experience in training seniors.
If you would like a free consultation with a professional athletic trainer you can call us at 530 268-5812 or email us at empoweru2000@gmail.com . You may not be where we are but we can train you one on one in your home through Skype. If you are near by we have a private, clean, safe gym you may come to train in. If you would like more information about us visit our “Power Unlimited” website https://www.empoweringlifecoaching.com/power-unlimited or click on the Power Unlimited link at the top of the page.
