As we age, it’s tempting to think we’ve earned the right to slow down, but the truth is, staying active is more important than ever. Exercise isn’t just about maintaining a certain physique; it’s about preserving your quality of life. Here’s why you should never stop moving.
Combat Sarcopenia with Strength Training
Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass, begins as early as our 30s and accelerates with each passing decade. This decline can lead to weakness, reduced stamina, and increased risk of falls. Strength training, specifically weight lifting, is a proven way to counteract sarcopenia. By regularly challenging your muscles, you maintain their strength and function, allowing you to continue enjoying the activities you love.
The Benefits of Weight Lifting for Longevity
Weight lifting isn’t just for bodybuilders. As we age, it becomes a crucial tool for living your best life. The benefits extend far beyond the gym, impacting every aspect of daily life—from carrying groceries to hiking trails.
Here are some of the researched benefits of strength training:
- Maintaining & improving bone density
- Improved joint health
- Improved metabolic function
- Decrease blood pressure
- Improve glucose intolerance
- Decrease risk of cardiovascular disease
- Decrease your risk of stroke
- Increase joint flexibility
- Enhance posture stability
- Improve balance
- Decrease risk of falls
- Improve energy levels
- Improve HDL cholesterol levels (the good cholesterol)
- Reduced risk of colon cancer
- Decrease low back pain
- Improve symptoms of mental illness (anxiety, depression)
- Decrease pain from arthritis, & fibromyalgia
And this isn’t even an exhaustive list! The big problem is that these benefits ALL go away once you stop training.
What Happens If You Stop: A Case Study
This is exactly what happened to one of our clients. She was dealing with some back pain and wanted to take a break from exercising in spite of our encouragement to continue with a modified exercise prescription.
Her doctor agreed she should stop and didn’t prescribe therapy.
We didn’t see her for a little over 3 months.
As you can see, her upper body strength (grip test) and lower body strength saw the biggest declines with her grip strength falling below her baseline.
It’s critical to continue training around injuries to maintain function, strength, & balance. Stopping completely is a slow, malicious death sentence.
Luckily, this client returned and we were able to help her regain and improve in her strength.
However, many stop exercising all together.
Imagine what the results/consequences would look like if our client here stopped for 6 months or a year?
Personal Training for Customized Support
As your body changes, so should your exercise routine. Working with a personal trainer ensures that your workouts are tailored to your current needs and goals. Whether you’re new to weight lifting or looking to refine your technique, a personal trainer provides the guidance and support necessary to stay safe and effective. Not only that, hiring a professional means you’ll be getting results, not just a monthly gym membership bill that you never use! Their expertise can make all the difference in sustaining an active, vibrant lifestyle.
In conclusion, exercise is a lifelong commitment. By prioritizing strength training and personal training, you’ll not only combat the effects of aging but also continue to thrive, no matter your age.
Start Living Your Best Life!
Leverage Fitness Team
Written by the longevity specialists at Leverage Fitness — Utah's #1 anti-aging personal training studio in Cottonwood Heights. Serving adults who want to live longer and stronger since 2006.
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