So, what’s all the fuss about? Once upon a time, it was cardio, cardio, cardio and weights were, generally speaking, reserved for bodybuilders.
These days, however, strength training and improving muscle mass are where the wind is taking fitness lovers, and for good reason.
It’s not just about toning muscle and achieving a certain look, it’s physiologically vital to improve muscle strength and focus on weight training in any exercise regimen for a multitude of reasons.
Kate Rowe-Ham, fitness coach and founder of Owning Your Menopause, tells HELLO! that while strength training is beneficial at any adult age, it’s particularly important because we lose muscle the older we get.
“We naturally lose muscle mass (a condition known as sarcopenia) and bone density primarily through midlife and beyond, so strength training is critical.
“For so many, exercise may have been seen as an aesthetic benefit, but it’s about so much more than that. It affects our posture, metabolism, energy levels, and ability to remain independent as we age.
“Strength or resistance training directly combats this decline. It’s the best way to preserve and build lean muscle, while also boosting bone and mental health.”
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