No person wants to lose their health and independence. One of the saddest chapters of a life is when a person becomes bound to chairs, beds, and the care of others. Luckily, there are ways (scientifically valid ones!) to prevent lose of bone density and muscle mass (sarcopenia). Physical strength is necessary to have freedom. Freedom makes it possible to live your life’s purpose. I often tell many of my clients, “you are not just a brain! You have to live in and take care of your body.”
In the Auburn, AL community many people older than 50 think that walking is enough to maintain the human body. This is a common false belief for non-gym goers. In addition, many gym goers (sometimes even daily exercisers) older than 50 (especially women) believe that lifting small weights (think senior or common group classes at gyms) and activities like yoga and Pilates will maintain their health. No doubt, people who do any exercise will almost always do better than sedentary people and people who only walk, but exercise modalities that use body weight only or light weights are rarely enough to challenge bones and muscles enough to stay optimal going into the 7th, 8th and 9th decades of life.
The solution: Train smarter and lift heavy.
As a medical fitness specialist and personal trainer, I tend to work with people who have pre-existing conditions. Many clients I work with need to build basic fitness before lifting heavier weights. If orthopedic issues are present (like a bad knee) those conditions need to be managed well or resolved through corrective exercise. When clients are ready I quickly transition them to advanced weight lifting and power training.
The results? My clients in their 60s, 70s, and 80s build muscle, get better bone density scores, can go on vacations, and much more (they can enjoy their retirement!). They get to play golf again, help out at church more, play with grand kids, and garden “much more than they did last year”. It feels good to have a strong body.
Are you getting what you need from your fitness program? If you are not or are not sure contact Jason Cornish, Medical Fitness Specialist, Personal Trainer, and Health Coach in Auburn, AL today at 402-521-0314 or email at jason.a.cornish@gmail.com.
Remember that strength is part of the equation for a happy life.