Resistance Train to Prevent Muscle Loss

When it comes to muscle, use it, lose it or build it! Muscle plays a crucial role in human health; it allows us to stand, walk, balance, lift and breathe. Building and maintaining muscle is important for both men and women, because strong muscles help reduce back pain, prevent falls and more. Registered dietitian nutritionists, personal trainers and physicians agree muscle mass is important for optimal calorie burning, strong bones and increased energy.

Preventing Sarcopenia and Osteoporosis

Consistent resistance training at all ages plays an important role in preventing both sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Sarcopenia is a slow muscle loss that occurs with aging. Sarcopenia contributes to loss of strength, mobility issues and disability. Falls are a particular concern for older adults with muscle loss. Resistance training at least twice a week and consuming adequate amounts of high-quality protein may help to slow or partially reverse the effects of natural, gradual sarcopenia.

Resistance training may help prevent osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak, porous bones, which then become prone to fractures. Similar to sarcopenia, osteoporosis has a gradual onset, with inadequate nutrient intake and lack of physical activity being some of the risk factors.

Adequate calcium and vitamin D consumption paired with sufficient physical activity, specifically resistance training and weight-bearing exercises, can help prevent osteoporosis, reduce severity of the disease or stop its progression.

Resistance Training Guidelines

Although resistance training strengthens and maintains the major muscle groups, it does not always equate to bulking up. Resistance training does not need to happen at the gym; in fact, it is easy to do anywhere. For best outcomes, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend strength training two to three times a week, to the point at which it would be difficult to do another repetition. While some people may prefer weight machines, free weights are often a preferred method and can be used anywhere. When using weight machines, free weights or resistance bands, selecting the proper weight is crucial for improving strength and preventing injury. Set a target of eight to 12 repetitions and work up gradually to two to three sets.

If you prefer activities that do not require equipment, try some that use your own body weight instead. Pushups, squats, planks, hip lifts and dips are just some of the many equipment-free resistance training options. Yoga also can build muscle using body weight while improving flexibility and reducing stress.

Incorporating resistance training into a regular exercise routine is crucial for maintaining healthy muscles and bones, plus increasing muscle mass can boost energy and metabolism.