Stay Strong: Weight Lifting and Anti-Aging

Fight back against age-related muscle loss with resistance training as an anti-aging treatment in Rochester

When it comes to dealing with the changes of age in Rochester Hills, anti-aging therapies can work wonders, but so can following healthy habits. While some age-related issues should only be handled under the supervision of your anti-aging specialist, there are many things we can do to ensure lifelong health and wellness on our own.

Sarcopenia refers to a gradual loss of muscle mass as we age, typically beginning in our 40s. Much like our gradual loss of bone strength or osteoporosis, you can fight back against sarcopenia with regular exercise. Though muscle loss can sap us of our physical strength and dexterity, staying attuned to your body’s exercise needs as you age will help you diminish sarcopenia’s effects on your body to stay strong for life.

Pumping Iron for Anti-Aging

Reduced levels of growth hormone and testosterone contribute to sarcopenia, making testosterone therapy valuable to many who experience age-related muscle loss. However, one of the most common contributors to sarcopenia is a lack of physical activity.

Many people tend to become more sedentary with age, but the body’s need for exercise does not diminish. Regular exercise is just as important to your health now as in adolescence—in fact, age-related conditions like sarcopenia may make exercise even more crucial than many people understand.

Even the most physically active individuals will experience some degree of sarcopenia, but you can reduce its impact with consistent strength training. These exercises are also referred to as resistance training and include anything that strains your muscles against weight or resistance. This resistance can come from things like dumbbells and exercise machines, but it can also come from your own body weight (as in a push-up).

Research has shown how effective strength training can be in both treating and preventing the effects of sarcopenia. Strength training during anti-aging can:

• Increase your hormone levels
• Strengthen bones and joints
• Boost your neuromuscular system
• Improve your protein synthesis

Of course, strength training can be strenuous so you need to approach it with caution. After speaking with your anti-aging specialist to ensure that you’re ready for the challenge, introduce strength training by:

• Starting off slow. It’s important to gradually allow your body to adjust to strength training. You should always take a day off after strength training and should try starting with just one or two sessions a week. If you find your strength improving, you can work up to more sessions—just remember to keep your workouts well-rounded by including other low-impact exercises as well.
• Being careful. Too much strength training can have the opposite of the intended effect: sore, fatigued muscles. Make sure you’re prepared by bringing all the gear you need, including supportive shoes and plenty of water. You should warm up and stretch before strength training and always listen to your body. Remember: you can always use lighter weights if needed and should be especially careful if you’ve had previous problems with your bones or joints.

Exercise has many benefits during anti-aging, but only if done correctly. Though strength training can be a big help with sarcopenia, you should check with your anti-aging specialist before adding it to your routine.