There is an old saying, ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it’. Unfortunately the majority of the ‘mature’ population have experienced many years of muscle and bone wastage due to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. It is just as important for the ‘mature’ population get involved in regular, progressive strength training programs to reverse the degeneration and wastage that the body has already experienced, as it is for the young and middle-aged populations as a measure of prevention. Current research is showing increases in strength with the ‘mature’ population (80, 90 and even 100 years of age!) comparable to that of their younger counterparts!
Strength training has shown the following benefits for the ‘mature and motivated’:
* Increased muscle strength
* Increased muscle or replacement of lost muscle tissue
* Increased bone mineral density
* Enhanced functional strength
* Decreased arthritic pain
* Improved vitality
* Improved joint stability
* Reduced joint pain and discomfort
* Increased incidental activity
* Increased self worth and self-esteem
Strength train and enjoy more of your life!
Two of the most common health issues we face as we get older are arthritis and coronary heart disease; whilst leading a healthy and active lifestyle will help to decrease your risks of these occurring, if you are already suffering from these health issues, strength training can still be a huge benefit to you:
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common degenerative joint condition. It is basically an inflammation around the joints causing pain, discomfort and loss of movement. Research shows that strength training can reduce the symptoms of pain and discomfort suffered by arthritis sufferers. The benefits of strength training to the arthritis sufferer include:
* Decreased joint pain and discomfort
* Increased joint mobility and range of movement
* Increased muscle strength to support the joints
* Improved joint stability to reduce stresses across the joints
* Increased ability to move and exercise
Coronary artery disease
Recent research has shown that strength training can have a positive effect on cardiac rehabilitation patients. It has been demonstrated that strength training can:
* Reduce the risk of sudden heart attack
* Increase bone strength
* Possibly improve the lipid profiles of cardiac patients.
Medical clearance is required for people suffering from heart conditions prior to beginning any exercise program.
Strength training is vital in the overall fight against any further deterioration and to reverse the degeneration of the body that has already occurred.
Sonja Falvo is the Body Transformation Specialist at Real Body Enterprises and has helped thousands of people to get the body they have always dreamed of. Author of two books (The Real Body Plan and The Real Body Real Food Plan) and highly regarded public speaker, Sonja can show you how easy it is to lose weight without dieting, giving up your favourite foods or spending endless hours in the gym. For more information visit www.realbodyenterprises.com
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