Daily Strength Training: The Key to Fending Off Frailty
Daily strength training is rapidly becoming the go-to technique for keeping the elderly from the clutches of frailty. Recent studies have demonstrated that strength training can reduce mortality risk, reduce the risk for falls, and help maintain better mobility, strength, and balance. It has also been linked to a lower risk for certain cancers, as well as a reduced risk for infections, mental health issues, and cognitive decline. In addition to reducing risk, strength training is being credited with keeping seniors alive and active longer. By strengthening their muscles, bones, and nerves, they can maintain physical and mental fitness, helping them to live more vibrant lives.
Strength training is an important part of a healthy lifestyle to build muscle and improve overall strength. It can offer many health benefits and can help fend off frailty. As people live longer, the risk of age-related frailty increases, but daily strength training can help slow or even prevent the onset of frailty.
Benefits of Daily Strength Training
Daily strength training can help people stay strong, fit and keep their muscle mass, strength and functional ability. All three of these are important for preventing frailty. Strength training can also help maintain healthy bones and joints, reduce the risk of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, and improve mental wellbeing.
Strength training has also been shown to reduce the risk of falls and serious injuries among older adults. This is particularly important for reducing frailty as falls can lead to loss of muscle mass, strength and functional ability.
Tips for Starting a Strength Training Program
Starting a strength training program can be overwhelming, but there are a few tips that can make it easier.
First and foremost, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional before starting a strength training program, as they can help develop a program that suits an individual’s needs and abilities.
Once this is established, it is important to start gradually and build up gradually. Aim for two or three strength training sessions a week of moderate intensity.
It is also important to ensure proper form and technique. Smaller movements that target the large muscle groups, such as the chest, back and legs, are also important to incorporate.
Slowing Frailty with Strength Training Strategies
Strength training has been found to be an effective way to slow frailty in older adults.
One important strategy to use when developing a strength training program is progressive overload. This means that the amount of resistance, intensity or duration of exercise is increased to ensure continued muscle and strength growth.
It is also important to ensure that the strength training program challenges all aspects of fitness, including muscle strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and agility. This will ensure that the body remains strong and able to prevent aging-related frailty.
Finally, it is important to stay motivated and consistent with strength training. Even if someone is doing a few sets a few days a week, consistency is key to successfully preventing frailty.
Conclusion
Daily strength training is important for staying fit and healthy, and for reducing the risk of age-related frailty. Strength training can help build muscle, improve functional ability, reduce the risk of chronic health conditions, and improve mental wellbeing. Gradual progression and progressive overload, as well as challenges to all aspects of fitness are important strategies in providing strength and fending off frailty.