We are all aware that staying active is key for a healthy lifestyle, and the NHS confirms this with recommendations including cardio and strength exercises.
Particularly important for ageing bodies is muscle-strengthening activity, which slows down the loss of bone and muscle.
A doctor has highlighted the importance of strength training for its benefits in reducing risks of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, as reported by the Mirror.
On his TikTok channel @doctorsood, Doctor Sood MD pointed out: “Muscle mass plays a crucial role in maintaining a truly healthy body especially as we age. Starting as early as our 30s, we naturally lose about 3-5% of our muscle mass each decade, and this can lead to issues such as weaker mobility, fraility and even higher risk of falls.”
He added: “Strength training can be a powerful tool against this decline. Muscle will help us sustain our daily activities, like getting out of a chair and reduce our risk of fractures, and even reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
“This will matter even more as we get older because muscle doesn’t just support movement, but it fuels our metabolism, enhances mental resilience, and also prolongs our independence.”
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The NHS advises that adults should aim to work out all the major muscle groups, including hips, legs, back, chest, abdomen, arms, and shoulders, at least two days a week.
According to NHS Live Well: “No specific amount of time is recommended, but a typical training session could take less than 20 minutes. Exercises should be performed to the point at which it would be difficult to do another repetition without help.”
It is highlighted that strength exercises are not confined to the gym – options like weightlifting and resistance bands are beneficial, but activities such as yoga, dancing, cycling, hill walking, climbing stairs, and heavy gardening also bolster muscles.
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