Growing older, getting stronger: the elderly and strength training
Today, I'm feeling extra emotional, proud and amazing all wrapped in one! Smiles all around!
I wrote an article that was published in a Golden Age supplement magazine to a large newspaper here in Israel (and published in North America) called the Jerusalem post.
Two of my biggest passions in life are the elderly and fitness, the latter is preoccupying my time at the moment, but individually and combined, they are what you can say gets the fire burning inside me. I have a soft spot for seniors and it is rooted from my childhood and the close connections I had with both sets of my grandparents.
I write about my adoration for my Safta (grandmother) in the article posted below and my fitness obsession came soon after high school but has since been merged together. If there's one thing I can say that connects them both the most is weight training.
One of the reasons I am so adamant about people incorporating a weight training routine into their fitness regiment is the incredible positive effects and carry over it has not only for their current life stage but more importantly with what it will do for them during the golden years.
Benefits of strength training and the elderly:
> keeps you safe and less vulnerable to falls and injuries from the the functional nature of strength exercises which boosts muscle strength, balance and agility
> eases performance of ADL (activities of daily living)
> protects against osteoporosis because strength training increases bone mass and density
> prevents muscle loss, where every decade after the age of 20 adults will lose between 5-7 pounds of muscle
> enhances physical appearance and subsequently boosts self-confidence and self-esteem
> increases the feel good hormone serotonin
Strength training also reduces:
- body fat
- resting blood pressure
- lower back pain
- osteoarthritic and rheumatoid arthritic pain
- symptoms of depression, heart disease, sleep disorders
It is NEVER too late to start exercising, BUT the earlier you begin and more consistent that you are, the greater the long term rewards will be. An active and fit lifestyle is an investment in your future and well-being.
Contact me now to find out how I can help you, or someone you know, start incorporating a strength training routine. It can be done at home, the park or gym.
Why should you wait any longer?
You were given one body to live in, treat it well, make it strong and live long!
