Why should we train as we age?

Hello everyone,

The importance of exercise as we age cannot be overstated. While our bodies require less stimulus to begin growth while we are young, as we age, our bodies requires an external stimulus to challenge us and tell our bodies to grow and live. In this case the proper dose of stimulus would come with exercise. 

A balanced program of aerobic work, roughly 150 minutes per week, and two to three day of resistance training will be recommended guidelines by The Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology. (CSEP, 2022.) These parameters are a great way for those just starting to exercise to set goals and understand how much training is actually needed. 

By building a habit of regular exercise the following health benefits can be seen quite quickly and are not limited to the following; 

• Increased cognitive function
• Increased daily energy
• Improve blood chemistry and lipid profiles
• Increase Bone density
• Decrease physical frailty
• Combat cancer development
• Decrease blood pressure

(Human Kinetics, CA)

With all these benefits understood and a guideline to work towards I am happy to say that those that train towards the minimum will see results in these points and maybe discover a few more. 

Happy training and Stay Strong!

Alex Morehouse 

References: 

1. Canada, P. H. A. of. (2019, November 7). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. Retrieved June 28, 2022, from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/physical-activity-tips-older-adults-65-years-older.html

2. 13 benefits of strength training for people older than 50. Human Kinetics Canada. (n.d.). Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://canada.humankinetics.com/blogs/articles/13-benefits-of-strength-training-for-people-older-than-50