Monday, April 04, 2011

Yes, you can maintain and build muscle mass as you age.

Sedentary individuals lose muscle mass as they age.  This is dangerous for the heart, bones and quality of life. It increases your risk of falling which increases morbity and mortality. 

However, we don't need to lose muscle mass as we get older. This can be prevented by resistance exercise.  Resistance exercise is weight training, yoga, pilates, Zumba, walking, running, hiking, or any activity that puts stress on the body.  Unfortunately bicycling and swimming are not weight bearing exercises, but they are great cardio exercises and can be incorporated into a person's activities.  Make the exercise something you enjoy. And bring a friend or family member with you for motivation and inspiration.  Here is an interesting article that gives more information on aging and muscle mass. 

http://tinyurl.com/3kr4m3d

What exercise are you doing today?