We all know that muscle mass that you once had in your 20’sand 30’s, your body is definitely able to gain strength if you put the correct stress on it. Let's say that your main goal is just to be able to pick up your grandchild. Typically, at birth, they may be 7.5 pounds (could be more or less but just going on averages) and can get up to about 40 pounds until they are at an age where they may not want to be picked up anymore. Using these numbers, ask yourself what kinds of things are you doing during your normal day that involves these weight ranges? bet you can come up with a number of things that may be in the 10 to 15-pound range, but how many times a day are you lifting something 40 pounds or more? If you are not picking up at least 40 pounds of weight from your waist level up to your chest on a consistent basis, how can you expect your body to respond well when you try to pick up your grandchild of the same weight? Injuries happen when you put stress on your body that it is not prepared for.
In order to reduce the risk of injury, you need to be taking daily action to build up your body, so that it can be prepared for whatever stress you put on it. If you do not know how to structure a proper program to build this strength, there is no shame in asking for help. Whether it be a physical therapist or a personal trainer, a clinician should be able to customize a program that will give your body strength.
We know you’re most likely not trying to enter a Strongman contest, but we know how important it is to have the proper strength program.
These are some physical benefits and mental benefits of strength training:
Increases muscle mass
Increases bone density
Improves balance
Increases walking speed
Reverses aging factors in muscles and mitochondria
Decreases arthritic pain
Decreases blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Boosts metabolic rate
Reduces markers of inflammation
Mental Benefits:
Improve focus and cognitive function
Improves self-esteem
Decreases anxiety and depressive symptoms
Decreases risk of dementia
Spine Rehab at Home is a mobile physical therapy provider that helps active, older adults thrive in their home as they age. Please contact us if you or anyone you know would benefit from these services.