Get Moving: Muscle up your strength

American College of Sports Medicine states that starting as early as 30, we can begin to lose muscle mass — especially if we become more sedentary and less physical. Loss of muscle leads to frailty and loss of independence, accelerating rapidly in our 60s and 70s. However, everyone can slow the loss of muscle and even reverse it with regular strength training, regardless of age or fitness.
Even if you have chronic health conditions, don’t be intimidated by muscle workouts. A moderate strength routine is 2 to 3 brief workouts a week. Get your health care provider’s help in planning a routine based on your fitness level.
The many benefits of muscle workouts may surprise you. The American College of Sports Medicine credits regular strength training with improved blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels; bone mineral density; and help for pain control, depression and sleep.
We offer our clients and their employees, at no additional cost, access to an Employee Assistance Program which can help with this and other healthcare related needs for themselves and their families. To read more articles like this sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Source:  Hope Health Letter – vol. 38, no. 9, Sept. 2018