Seniors and Weight Training

The Effects of aging related to a sedentary life
Research shows that men and women lose more than five pounds of lean body mass (muscle) every decade of life due to a sedentary life style.  That is, on a decade by decade basis the aging adult has about 5 pounds less muscle and about 15 pounds more fat for a 20 pound change in physical appearance.

To reverse body composition problems, strength exercise is effective for adding muscle, losing fat, raising resting metabolic rate, and increasing daily energy expenditure.   

Good News for Seniors! Seniors can safely participate in a well designed and carefully supervised strength training program.  (With doctor's approval). A large study showed that senior men and women replaced muscle at the same rate as young and middle aged adults!  Here are the facts:

• Seniors can reduce their body weight and improve their body composition.
• Seniors can decrease their fat weight and increase their lean muscle weight.
• Seniors can reduce their resting blood pressure
• Seniors can develop physically active lifestyles, even after decades of sedentary behavior