What comes to mind when you think about being strong?
Would you consider yourself to be “strong”?
Strength training stimulates muscles to adapt
Building strength isn’t just about lifting heavy weights or having “big muscles”. Really, it’s about so much more and is vital for your health especially as you age. You may not realize it now, but the impact of being physically strong overflows into almost every area of your life.
When you become an older adult than you are now, how do you see yourself in photos or videos? Reset your vision of yourself to have a toned lean muscle shape along with excellent coordination. We all have seen someone, that is no different than us, maintain physical activity late in life. You can too!
Why Strength Matters in Your 50s and Beyond
Being strong is important throughout every stage of life, but many overlook the importance of it as they grow older. As you approach your 50s and 60s, the benefits of being strong become greater. The misconception is that there are fewer benefits to weight training and improving strength as we age. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
As an older adult, you want to make building and maintaining your strength a priority. Many don’t realize the benefits associated with building and maintaining strength and lean muscle mass in their 50s and beyond. Some of the benefits that one may experience by making strength a priority include:
· Improved Balance
· Improved Self-Confidence
· Reduced Risk of Injury
· Reduce Fall Risk
· Improved Regulation of Blood Pressure
· Improved Overall Mental Health
· Reduced Risk and Occurrence of Osteoporosis
How to Build Strength as You Age:
Building and maintaining strength isn’t as difficult as many want to believe. Is it easy? Not necessarily, but it isn’t complicated either. The most important thing to remember is consistency. If you don’t have a consistent routine, then you won’t be able to make progress to build the lean muscle and strength you need as you age.
What exercises should you be doing and how much is enough?
These questions are best answered on an individual basis. The general recommendation is for each individual to participate in weight-bearing activity at least 3 days per week. However, at MindMuscleMemory we prefer to provide recommendations to our clients on an individual basis to ensure that you get the most out of your efforts.
Weight-bearing exercise can include activities that use any of the following pieces of equipment:
· Cable Weights
· Dumbbell Exercises
· Kettle Bells
· Medicine Balls
The equipment you use should be based on your level of ability and comfort. It is important to ensure that you are working with equipment that you are comfortable with and capable of moving optimally. If you have questions about what type of equipment you should be starting with, you can contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our M3 Team Coaches.
Strong Body, Strong Mind
Did you know that improving your physical strength can also improve your mental strength?
When you improve your strength, you improve your ability to move confidently. In turn, you are able to participate in more activities you enjoy with confidence. You are more likely to do things you enjoy which will decrease stress levels, improve your overall mental state, improve your quality of life, and help improve your mood.
It’s Not Too Late to Start
If you haven’t been integrating a strength training routine into your workouts, it’s not too late to start! Building strength in your 50s and beyond doesn’t have to be difficult or intimidating. The key is to get started and get assistance from trained professionals when you have questions.
If you want to start improving your strength and aren’t sure where to start, contact us today and we will help you get started. Our Expert M3 Team Coaches can help you identify the best ways for you to start improving your strength now.
Go to the M3 home page and begin as a FREE client with our web app fitness challenge right now and share with your friend.