Lifting weights as seniors it is a true elixir against the loss of muscle mass. We know that mature people are affected by sarcopenia. It is nothing other than the constant and progressive loss of so-called lean mass. It is a natural consequence of aging which has a major impact on health.
Lifting weights as an older adult is critical to well-being
The real problem with this condition is that when it manifests itself, it is difficult to go back. In short, it is irreversible. Fortunately, a lot can be done in the field of prevention and we can start even when we are very adults. At the age of 60, 10 percent of people are affected by this condition. However, it affects half of eighty-year-olds. So it is necessary to intervene.
The English study on the importance of lifting weights for older adults
A new English study tried to answer the question: if we train strength, we can delay the effects of sarcopenia? To achieve their objectives, the experts involved a group of elderly people, dividing them into two groups.
The first did leg strength exercises, the second did not. The scientists asked them to remain on bed rest for five consecutive days. At this point the research team measured the protein production and muscle atrophy of all participants.
What are the results of the study?
The results showed that those who exercised only had little muscle decline compared to the group who did not do the exercises. The experts said they were amazed, because they discovered that just a single training session slows down sarcopenia. Lifting weights is therefore the right way to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and promotes the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.
It is not the first research that has achieved these results. Already other studies they had confirmed that especially elderly people need to do weight training. This type of exercise helps keep muscles healthy, but also bone density. In fact, lifting weights increases density and makes our skeleton more resistant to falls and trauma.
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