When you hear about strength training, it’s hard not to picture young men and women lifting weights at the gym. Weight training is not something many aged people would consider doing. Despite this, there have been many proven benefits of strength training for aging bodies. Here are some reasons why you should hit the gym even if you are well beyond your prime.
1. Improves the Heart’s Health
Many older people are at risk of suffering from a heart attack. Exercising has been shown to improve the health of the heart and reduce this risk. When exercising, the heart muscles will be able to pump blood better in the body. Many patients who exercised after a stroke were reported to have better health than those who didn’t.
2. It Helps Strengthen Your Bone Muscles
The older you grow, the weaker your bones get. By exercising, you can strengthen your bones. In doing this, you are less likely to suffer from issues like osteoporosis and joint pains. Older people who do regular strength-training exercises tend to have better bone density than those who do not.
3. It Helps Build Muscle Mass
When people age, they develop a condition called sarcopenia. This is basically a decrease in skeletal muscle tissue. Exercising in old age will help build up your muscles. As such, you become stronger and less frail. People who work out in their old age are more upright and do not topple over easily. Falls in old age can be fatal due to the weaker bones you have. In strength training, you can avoid all these issues altogether.
4. Improves Your Mood
As you age, you’re more likely to become depressed. Working out helps to avoid this. This is because your body stays active and releases serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for staving off bad moods and giving you a sense of calm. As your mood improves, so will your outlook towards everything.
5. Improves Cognition
Being active in strength training means that your brain gets activated, too. Strength training can help reduce the chances of getting Alzheimer’s. It also comes in handy for patients who are suffering from dementia. An active brain helps prevent the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
6. Reduces Your Chances of Getting Cancer
Exercising has proven to reduce the chances of the elderly getting colon and kidney cancer. It is also a great way for cancer survivors to get back on their feet after treatment.
Resistance training is essential for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy body. It also helps older people to maintain a well-toned body.
If you’re a senior, one thing you’ll need to remember, however, is to talk to your doctor before working out. It will also help if you know your limits. Always train under supervision, and do not take on more weights than you can handle. In over-exerting yourself, you might get injured further.
