Everyone over 50 needs to do some resistance training. Period.
That means lifting weights – or using resistance bands or body weight – to grow and maintain muscle mass. Why? Not to look like a bodybuilder. It’s merely the fact that human beings lose muscle mass as we age, and being strong is key to healthy ageing.
There are so many reasons why it’s not just good for us after 50, but essential. For starters, here are just six of the many reasons why we should be lifting weights regularly:
It's good for cardiovascular health. Resistance training lowers blood pressure, bad cholesterol and inflammation.
Resistance training relieves anxiety and tension.
It helps improve our self-esteem and keeps us from thinking we’re weak
It can improve memory and mild cognitive impairment.
Strength training is effective at treating the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes. It reduces fasting glucose levels and improves overall glycemic control
It boosts our metabolism, in addition to burning fat and building muscle. So we’re also using more calories when we’re resting and sleeping.
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