There is a saying that life begins at fifty. Whether you believe it or not, the truth is that your fifties are a time to reassess and redefine who you are. You may be at the peak of your career or planning your retirement. Whatever the case, you need to be physically fit to keep winning in life. This is why strength training for seniors is so important.
Workouts are advantageous for any age, especially when you are nearing your retirement. At this time, your muscle mass naturally decreases, which can lead to a decline in strength and overall physical function. Strength training can help to combat this decline and improve your physical health in diverse ways.
Benefits of Strength Training for Seniors
Strength training is one of the most important things you can do for your health as you start nearing your golden years. Contrary to popular belief, workouts are not just for body-builders or people who are trying to get ripped. In fact, there are countless benefits to derive, some of which include:
- Improved Muscle Mass and Bone Density
Regular strength training not only assists in the development of muscle mass but can also preserve your power and physical agility as you get older. Additionally, it may help increase bone density, ultimately protecting you from fractures due to conditions such as osteoporosis.
- Increased Energy and Vitality
Strength training can increase energy and vitality levels, help maintain an ideal weight, improve quality-of-life, and reduce risks for diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer. In other words, it keeps you feeling young, vibrant and fit. This further enables you to chase your dreams and live in the moment as you make beautiful memories with your family and friends.
- Reduced Risk of Trips and Falls
These routine workouts strengthen your muscles and bones, improve balance and reduce muscle weakness in order to prevent trips and falls. These accidents may have otherwise led to broken bones or permanent disabilities, especially in people with conditions such as osteoporosis or arthritis.
- Better Metabolism
Better metabolism is the result of an increase in your muscle mass. This means you are building lean muscle tissue that burns calories more efficiently, which can lead to better body composition and fat loss which in turn helps with weight loss or maintenance.
- Improved Mood and Cognitive Function
Improved mood and cognitive function can decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety . It further reduces stress while enhancing self esteem. As you become freed from stress, your mental health blossoms and your overall wellness also flourishes.
- Reduces the Risk of Chronic Disease
Strength training has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. In addition, it is proven that workouts increase life expectancy by as much as five years.
- Improves Balance and Coordination
When your balance and coordination is improved, the risk of trips and falls that can lead to injuries is assuaged. Strength training also strengthens your bones, improves flexibility in your joints, and lowers blood pressure.
- Boosts Mental Health
Strength training has also been shown to have positive effects on mental health, including reducing the risk of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, it can help people with sleep apnea and congestive heart failure.
