Aging can bring about many physical challenges that one doesn’t think about or consider until they are having to address them. Aging can also bring about the fear of falling and the risk of injury due to instability and reduced strength.
Research has shown that strength training can benefit the elderly population and improve overall strength. Typically, people believe that strength training is only for the young. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Neglecting to add a strength component in a fitness routine can be much more detrimental to our elderly population. The impact that strength training can have, far out ways any risk. Utilizing the knowledge and expertise of a Certified Personal Trainer can provide safety and can take the “guesswork” out of what one should be doing during their strength sessions.
How Strength Training Can Reduce the Risk of Falls and Injury
No matter your age, improving your strength can help you reduce the risk of falls. This is especially true for the elderly. Like it or not, if you’re a Baby Boomer, you are now at an increased risk for falls and injuries related to falls.
This means, that if you haven’t started adding strength training into your regular exercise routine, you need to. This is no longer something you should consider, it’s something you need to start doing, now!
Regular strength training has been shown to:
1. Increase overall strength in frail elderly people – Stronger muscles lead to better posture and improved overall movement patterns.
2. Increase overall mobility – Improved range of motion will allow you to move more freely. In turn, you will find that you will have less pain and this should decrease your risk for injury.
3. Increase “spontaneous” activity – Increasing your ability to participate in “spontaneous activity” will improve your overall quality of life and your longevity.
4. Increase gait speed – This will directly reduce your risk of falls as improving your strength of stride, reduces the risk of falls.
It is important to note that for the best results of any strength training program one must utilize the proper training methods. The proper intensity and progression are vital to see results.
Utilizing a personal trainer to assist you with your strength training program will ensure the use of high-intensity training which will provide the proper progression. In turn, this will lead to an increase in physical changes and provide many benefits.
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The increased strength, mobility, gait speed, and participation inactivity will make anyone much more stable and confident when they move. This will allow for stronger movement and decrease the risk of falling.
It’s important for anyone to have the confidence and ability to move freely. This directly can impact one’s quality of life by allowing them to participate in activities they enjoy with their family and friends.
What’s Next?
It’s one thing to know that you need to take action and make a change, it’s another to know how to or know where to start. If you, or someone you know, is ready to start a strength training program contact us today here. One of our great Mind Muscle Memory Coaches will get back to you and help you get started on a program that will meet your needs.
Utilizing a personal trainer to assist you with your program will give you the reassurance that you are going to be doing the right exercises to get the best results. Always speak with your doctor before starting a new fitness routine. Contact us today to learn more about how an M3 Team Coach can help you!
If you’re looking for something that you can implement today, take a moment and download our FREE Kettlebell Bootcamp PDF. Inside, you will find 19-pages of exercises and a checklist to ensure you have what you need to start adding strength training to your routine today!