Staying Young Through Weight Training
Staying Young Through Weight Training
The fountain of youth has been sought after since the beginning of time and as a result plastic surgery has become a multi-billion dollar industry. People spend ridiculous amounts of money on elective surgeries and procedures, and countless creams and cosmetics that all promise to restore youth and well-being. But the secret to the fountain of youth and a fit, strong body can be found in the gym, strength training.
Prevent Muscle Loss. As a person ages the body can lose muscle through a process called sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is when the body loses skeletal muscle mass leading to frailty and weakness. The loss of skeletal muscle usually comes with an increase in body fat but this does not need to be the case. Strength bearing exercises have proven to offset the effects of sarcopenia allowing the muscles to synthesize the proteins they need to stay strong and minimize the decline of skeletal muscle and increased body fat as we age.
Increase Bone Density. Just as muscle can decrease as a person ages so can bone mass. A loss in bone density can lead to poor posture and fractured bones that decrease mobility and independence. The good news is that strength training can stave off a decrease in bone mass. The Journal of Applied Physiology conducted a study that found that weight lifting over a period of 16 weeks actually increased bone density by 19 percent.
Maintain Muscle Fiber. Research has shown that fast twitch muscle fiber can decrease by up to 50 percent as a person ages. This type of muscle fiber is responsible for generating power in the body and explains why some people start to have trouble moving around or lifting things. Strength training will prevent the body from losing fast twitch muscle fiber keeping the body young and strong.
Increase Youth Hormones Naturally. As we age, hormone levels decrease over time. As a result, many people have turned to Human Growth Hormone (HGH) injections or prescription medicines to offset this loss. But these both come with negative side effects. Training with heavy weights can lead to a natural increase in testosterone which can enhance and maintain a more youthful appearance.
Increased Energy. Strength training or weight lifting requires the body to become efficient at using oxygen and nutrients to power the muscles. As the body becomes proficient at producing muscular energy, overall energy levels increase leading to greater vitality and strength as a person ages.
Incorporating a strength training or weight lifting program into your lifestyle is important for building and maintaining a strong, healthy, youthful body. In order to stay young and not fall victim to the “use it or lose it” syndrome, resistance training is fundamental for offsetting the negative side effects people encounter as they age.
For more information on staying young through weight training, eating a healthy diet, and general fitness and wellness, or if you’ve been thinking about hiring a personal trainer, contact us.
