Just because you’re a senior, doesn’t mean you can’t start (or continue) strength training. Often touted as one of the most beneficial activities for senior members of the community, strength training can help keep you active, independent and fit throughout your golden years. From keeping age-related muscle loss at bay, to keeping bones and joints strong and combating mental health issues and cognitive decline, here’s our best tips for seniors thinking about getting into strength training:
Focus first on getting started
For seniors who are only now looking to dive into strength training, it’s important that you don’t just dive straight into the deep end. The concept itself can be intimidating, especially if you’re starting or jumping back onto the fitness train later in life, so start small. Strength training only becomes more important as we age, so go in armed with this knowledge! It might be good to start with just one or two short workout sessions per week. Before you know it, you’ll be building that strength and able to conquer longer, harder sessions (if you want to).
Find your why
When starting out later in life, it can be so beneficial to remember your why. Connect your workout journey to the things that matter to you, and stick with it. For example, you might want to start strength training to ease your arthritis or improve your balance – remember this! Understand how strength training can help you achieve your goals and look back on it when times get tough or you feel unmotivated.
Work with a trainer who knows their stuff
One of the most important parts of embarking on a fitness journey later in life is taking the hand of somebody who can help you get there. It might be best to find a personal trainer who focuses on strength training, or seniors, so that you can get a feel for the workout in a perfect environment. Many trainers encourage senior people diving into strength training to begin with lower body exercises, because it’s directly related to movement. Lower body strength can also prevent falls and keep you independent – and the right trainer will know this!