(Grand) Mother's Little Helper

After 30, most people start to lose muscle.

Not good

After 50, this muscle loss accelerates.

Even worse

This muscle loss creates more health problems than I can list, but here a few key points:

  • Since muscles move our bodies, muscle loss means less movement.   Losing muscle can reduce your ability to perform cardiovascular exercise. If you cannot get out of a chair, you are not going to hit the StairMaster;
  • People gain about a pound of fat per year after age 25. So as they lose muscle,  they are also gaining fat. This is a major Double-Whammy.  This combination contributes to hypertension, diabetes, obesity, stroke, disability, cancer, heart disease, lipid problems, arthritis, sleep apnea, depression and more;
  • Losing muscle will create a power loss.  While we think of power in terms of athletes, power loss can negatively impact balance-particularly in older people.  Less Muscle=Less Power=Worse Balance=More Falls=More Disability and Death;
  • Some research has shown strength as the best longevity predictor.  Losing muscle and strength can literally shorten your life.

Depressed yet? Do not fret. All is not lost. 

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, two resistance training sessions per week can dramatically slow this "inevitable" muscle loss. I would probably recommend three sessions, but two is certainly a huge step in the right direction.

 

I do not know about you, but I hope to still be going strong at 75. In most cases, this is completely realistic. That is one reason you will see me in the weight room tomorrow.

Right next to Grandma.

 

 

Posted Jan 25, 2010 by Jeff Blair.
This entry is filed under Los Angeles Personal Trainer, Los Angeles Fat Loss, Los Angeles strength, Los Angeles fitness, and Los Angeles fitness expert.