Did you know that you can start losing skeletal muscle at age 40?
What are some of the causes of skeletal muscle being replaced by fibrous tissue and fat in our bodies?
1. Reduced physical activity - particularly strength-based training.
3. Diet - Not adapting to the metabolic changes associated with the aging process.
The good news is that the Journal of the American Medical Association has published research that looked at 8 weeks of high intensity resistance training in elderly patients (90 years and older)!
- Strength gains increased by 174%!
- Mid thigh muscle mass increased by 9%!
- Walking speed improved by 48%!
Results like this are pretty exciting to read and show that at any age, meaningful gains are possible!If you are reading this and are interested in starting a strength-based program, make sure that you choose a time in your life to start it where you will be able to be consistent with your program.
Keep your programming fun, and as you build intensity, make sure that you are supplementing it with enough protein, sleep and adequate recovery.
August 9th, 2022