Many people tend to give up on physical exercise after getting to their golden years. That should not be the case. Working out is just as important in the younger years as it is at an advanced age. Fortunately, older adults who live in 55-plus communities in Hurl Rocks, SC are encouraged to work out regularly and live an active life.
Strength training is especially ideal for aging folks as it helps to manage a healthy weight among other lifesaving benefits. Stay tuned as we take a deep dive into why strength training is so important for older adults.
Improving Postcoronary Performance
Strength training is crucial for older adults with cardiovascular health problems. Engaging in resistance workouts helps to improve their postcoronary performance. Essentially, strength training plays a significant role in attaining and managing a proper body weight besides enhancing physical performance and increasing muscle strength and mass. Other than that, resistance training is important for a hastened recovery from activities relating to the cardiovascular system besides promoting self-efficacy.
Curbing Diabetes
Strength training is vital in maintaining desirable body weight and enhancing muscular fitness. Older adults with a proper body weight along with fit muscles have a very low risk of contracting type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have proven that strength training helps to improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity.
Boosting Bone Density
Age leads to the deterioration of many attributes of the body including bone loss which in turn culminates into muscle loss. Bone and muscle loss are some of the factors that lead to limited mobility. However, engaging in strength training has been found to increase bone density. In the end, constant resistance training results in a musculoskeletal system that is both injury-resistant and strong.
Mitigating Physical Discomfort
In the absence of strength training and physical exercise in general, aging folks are likely to suffer from stiff muscles, joint pain, and physical discomfort. Things such as lower back pain are likely to go away for engaging in resistance training. Working out helps to strengthen muscles and increase joint flexibility. It is particularly recommended for older adults with fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Preventing Resting Blood Pressure
Hypertension is closely associated with cardiovascular disease. Recent studies indicate that about one-third of the American adult population has high blood pressure. On the bright side, the same studies have proven that older adults who participate in circuit-style or standard endurance training witness a significant reduction in the likelihood of developing resting blood pressure.
Promoting Mental Health
Mental health is a serious problem among the elderly as it is among the rest of the population. Stress and depression are common in advanced age as an individual often struggles with loneliness, isolation as well as a constant worry about their future.
However, working out and engaging in strength exercises has proven to lower depression in addition to promoting physical self-concept. Exercising is also linked to positive engagement along with increased tranquility and revitalization. Finally, it plays a huge role in reducing tension and fatigue to enhance the mental well-being of aging individuals.
Rebuilding Muscles
Rebuilding muscles helps to promote flexibility and improve mobility among the elderly. Increased mobility and flexibility at an advanced age promote independence. The best way to rebuild muscles is through strength training.
Strength Training is Worth it
It is important to maintain a physically active life, especially at an advanced age. Strength training is particularly crucial in rebuilding muscles, promoting mental health, preventing resting blood pressure, and mitigating physical discomfort. In the same vein, resistance training boosts bone density together with curbing diabetes and improving postcoronary performance.
