Beginning Strength Training For Seniors And Tips For Building A Consistent Routine
Every second of the day, someone aged 65 or older will fall. 36 million falls will occur annually, and this accounts for 95% of hip fractures in the U.S. Strength training is a relatively easy way to help decrease a person’s fall risk, and positively affect many different aspects of their life. Starting a new strength training routine can be an easy thing, albeit sometimes scary, to add to your schedule to make sure you reduce your risk of age-related ailments and maladies. There is a lot of information that exists in the resistance training world, and sometimes it can be daunting to get started when there is a plethora of information out there of what is “best” or “optimal”. This article looks to simplify the process for you, as well as give you tips for building consistency in your routine.
5 Strength Training Exercises for the Older Adult
A common misconception is that strength training is only beneficial for young adults. This is simply not true! Strengthening can be beneficial at any age; in fact there is no age limitation to gain strength. We know that muscle strength can be increased by progressive loads at any age. There is also evidence that suggests muscle strength can help with mobility, such as gait speed, and improving function for tasks, such as standing up from a chair. Increasing strength in the older population is beneficial to decrease risk of injury and has other health benefits as well.
Fact vs. Fiction: Strength Training for Seniors
Is age really just a number? Can you still get stronger even as you get older? There are common misconceptions surrounding senior populations and exercise or strength training. Let’s debunk some of these misunderstandings.