As you start to age, it becomes increasingly important to maintain an active lifestyle. Strength training is one of the best activities that older adults can engage in. There is a common misconception that strength training is only appropriate for athletes and bodybuilders, but this is untrue. Everyone can engage in strength training, regardless of age, which also includes adults who have entered their second half of life.
If you are in your 50’s or older, there are some powerful reasons for you to embrace strength training. Want to know what they are? Take a look below.
Improved muscle mass and strength
Sarcopenia is a process of natural muscle loss that happens as you age. Luckily, you can curb this process through strength training. In fact, it is even possible to reverse it through strength training because you can improve muscle mass and strength. When you improve strength, it can help you in carrying out everyday tasks, such as climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or something as simple as getting up quickly from a chair.
Reduced risk of falls
One of the biggest concerns plaguing older adults is the risk of falls, which can be significantly reduced through strength training because it improves mobility, coordination and balance.
Increased bone density
The loss of bone density is an issue that happens with age and can often result in osteoporosis amongst adults. To combat this loss, strength training is immensely helpful because it simulates bone cells, which improves their density and minimizes the risk of bone fractures.
Pain management
According to research, strength training is immensely helpful in improving physical function and can also reduce pain associated with a number of conditions. Some of these include low back pain, osteoarthritis, patellofemoral pain, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis.
Better sleep
You will notice an improvement in sleep quality when you engage in strength training regularly. Exercising regularly is known to regulate sleep patterns, allowing people to sleep deeper, faster and wake up less often during the night.
Improved emotional health
While everyone is aware of the physical benefits of strength training, they do not pay much attention to the benefits it has for your mental health. Exercising regularly can help you in managing symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can also give your overall mood and self-esteem a boost and also promotes overall wellbeing.
Managing chronic health conditions
You can improve glucose control, lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation through regular strength training. As a matter of fact, it is also helpful in mitigating and managing a number of chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.
Improved cognitive health
Research has shown that physical activity in older adults, such as strength training, can also be helpful in improving cognitive function. This is because it can help in boosting attention, memory and a number of other cognitive abilities and also reduce the risk of various neurodegenerative diseases.
It is apparent that adding strength training to your routine can prove to be transformative because it benefits every aspect of your life.
