Use it or Lose it

This picture (from a BBC programme on health & aging) shows the muscle wastage of the thigh from 35-55-85 years old. The white in the middle is the femur, the red is the quads & hamstrings & then the white is fat.

Your body will have as much muscle as it deems necessary. If you do not give your body a reason to have strong muscles, you will lose muscular strength and calorie burn.

Muscle loss leads to:

• Reduced strength, mobility & balance.

• Reduced metabolism.

• Poor energy levels.

• Increased bodyfat.

• Increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure & heart disease.

Fortunately, we know how to prevent muscle loss.

Resistance Training!

Also called, weight training, strength training, bodybuilding or lifting weights. If this conjures up images of bodybuilders and barbells loaded with heavy weights, you're only partially right.

Resistance exercise is a system of muscle building exercises. Simple bodyweight squats or push ups are some of the best resistance exercises you can do.

Are you doing any resistance training?

If you are, great!

If not, doing some squats is a great place to start.