Strength training can be a great way to stay in shape, build strength and improve balance. While many people think of strength training as something done at the gym, there are also ways to incorporate it into your daily life. And if you’re independent living in Kennedale, TX, some of those ways are easier than others. Here’s a look at why aging family members need to get active by doing some form of strength training:
Gain Confidence
As you age, strength training becomes increasingly important. Strength training is a great way to build confidence and self-esteem.
Strength training builds confidence because it allows you to accomplish anything you set your mind to. It’s like learning a new skill or playing an instrument: You might be shaky at first, but with practice and dedication, you can become proficient at it. The same goes for strength training—you might not be able to lift as much weight as someone else when starting, but the more often you train (and train hard), the stronger and more confident you’ll feel!
Develop Stronger Bones
Strength training has been shown to improve bone density, especially in older women. It’s one of the best ways to help prevent osteoporosis—a condition where bones become weak and brittle. This can lead to fractures, which could require surgery or long-term care. While there’s no way to turn back time and make your bones as strong as they were when you were younger, strength training is an effective way to help maintain your bone health as you age in independent living communities.
Lower Your Blood Pressure
Strength training is a great way to improve your blood pressure. This type of physical activity can help you lower your blood pressure by strengthening the muscles in your body and improving their function.
If you want to lower your blood pressure through strength training, it’s best to do it regularly. Research has shown that doing strength training a few times a week for about three months can help lower systolic (the top number in a blood pressure reading) and diastolic (the bottom number) values. You’ll be able to see these results even if you have mild hypertension or prehypertension. Many different types of exercises will help with this goal, but some examples include squats, lunges, deadlifts, push-ups, and pull-ups.
Prevent Falls And Injury
The leading cause of injury and death in older adults is falling. Falls are also among the most common reasons for hospitalizations among older adults. A variety of factors can cause falls, but one way to prevent them is with strength training.
Strength training can improve balance, coordination, and flexibility, which makes you less likely to fall. It also builds muscles that give you more support when walking upstairs or carrying items around your home.
Improve Your Balance And Coordination
Balance and coordination are two skills that become extremely important as you age. Perhaps you’ve seen the older adult who has trouble getting up from a chair or walking across the room without using their hand for support. It can be distressing, but some things can be done to improve your balance and coordination. Strength training is one of them!
Strength training requires you to move your muscles against resistance, which increases muscle mass and improves muscle tone. This increased muscle mass will help keep you from losing strength over time, thus helping your balance and coordination.
Conclusion
Strength training is the answer if you’re finding it hard to get out of a chair or struggle with walking upstairs.