As early as our 30s and 40s, our muscles start to shrink and we begin to lose strength. This puts us at major risk of frailty, falls, and fractures, which in older age can even lead to death.
Brad Schoenfeld, a professor of exercise science, emphasizes the importance of muscles for health and how having more muscles can slow down the aging process.
Strength training is considered more important than cardio for health, as they are complementary.
Weight training can help fight loss of bone density after menopause.
It is never too late to start increasing muscle strength.
Some common myths about strength training include the belief that it will make women too bulky, bind athletes up, and take a lot of time.
Muscles are crucial for health and functional independence, as they prevent disabilities and demoralization. They also store glucose and help strengthen bones.
Resistance training is key to staving off age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia). Even people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s can build more muscle through resistance training.
Resistance training challenges muscles, leading to protein synthesis and muscle growth. It's more effective than cardio in preventing muscle shrinkage and provides fast adaptation.
For resistance training, focus on major muscles, train at least twice a week, and aim for time-efficient routines like two half-hour sessions per week.
Find a qualified personal trainer to learn proper techniques. Machines are safer for beginners than free weights. Yoga and Pilates are not as effective as resistance training for muscle development.
In a 15-minute session, focus on pressing, rowing, and hip hinge movements for a quick and effective workout. The key is to focus on core exercises that work multiple muscles.
Resistance training does not require extreme heavy weights. Consistency and adherence to a plan are more important than the weight used. Start with a weight that allows for proper form and gradually increase as strength improves.
Brad Schoenfeld emphasizes that using relatively light weights for high repetitions can lead to similar muscle growth as lifting heavy weights for fewer repetitions, as long as the last few repetitions are challenging to complete.
He acknowledges that heavier loads may result in somewhat better strength gains, but for most people, light loads are sufficient for functional strength and daily activities.
Brad also highlights that using lighter loads can be a viable alternative for individuals with joint mobility issues or injuries, and although it may prolong the length of the session, the health benefits of resistance training are still significant.
Estrogen is osteoprotective, meaning that it protects bones, it helps to build bones. Roughly 80% of the cases of osteoporosis are in women. Resistance training is the primary intervention that will be helpful to avoid bone loss or somewhat reverse the effects of bone loss. The primary sites of bone loss or osteoporosis are at the wrist, at the spine, and at the femur, hip area in general. Structural type movements like presses, rows, and hip hinge movements are ideal for offsetting bone loss. Even a couple of sessions a week will make a difference in resistance training.
For the average individual, three sessions a week of 45 minutes to an hour of resistance training can maximize gains for both health and aesthetic standpoint.
Cardiovascular exercise is important and can be incorporated by fitting in 10,000 steps a day, which confers health-related benefits.
Resistance training is crucial to combat muscle loss as we age, and even a small amount of exercise each week can have potent effects on muscle strength.
There's flexibility in the types of exercises, such as pressing, pulling, and hip hinge, which can address osteoporosis risks and provide significant health benefits.
Adherence is the most important quality in a routine, and combining resistance training with cardio and sticking to the routine can deliver long-term benefits.
Jonathan expresses gratitude to Brad for the insightful discussion and highlights the potential for transformation in people's health through accessible means.
Jonathan promotes Zoe's personalized nutrition program and offers a 10% discount to the listeners.
Jonathan concludes the podcast and mentions the production team.