Many recent studies support the notion that older people's quality of life and degree of independence are improved through physical activity, and in particular, strength training.
Many obstacles, including sensory deterioration, muscle atrophy and neural deterioration stand in the way of the older exerciser. For that reason, strength training is an essential component of the older person's exercise program.
As it ages, the human body undergoes many changes that contribute to frailty and disability. Physical changes, such as a reduction in bone mass, sarcopenia, and poorer posture and balance also influence psychological changes, such as decreased confidence with day to day tasks.
Strength training not only makes the older person stronger, it also makes her feel stronger.
There is good evidence that older people who participate in strength training have greater strength, greater self confidence, improved balance, an increased ability to perform physical tasks and an increased ability to recover from potential falls.
Inadequate muscle strength and control, poor balance, certain medications, poor eyesight, decreased proprioceptive ability and hypotensive issues increase the risk of a person falling. Many of the internal risk factors for falls are improved through physical activity, and in particular, strength training.
Exercise for the older person is gaining greater recognition and is being recommended by health bodies around the world. A personal trainer cannot turn back the clock and make an older person younger, but we can help them to deal with their aged body more easily, increase the length of their life and certainly improve the quality of their life! These benefits are achieved through physical activity, and in particular, strength work.
Nicky Henderson: 0403 808 540
Franchised Personal Trainer.
Fitness First One on One