Chiropractic Care | How to Combat Muscle Loss From Aging

Chiropractic Care | How to Combat Muscle Loss From Aging

Chiropractic Care | Did you know that most adults achieve peak muscle mass by the age of 40? Unfortunately, after that, your muscles slowly start to deteriorate. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, this process can happen as early as age 30.  The progressive loss of muscle mass can lead to a slew of health issues, including impaired muscle function, physical performance, and whole-body metabolism. The good news is that there is a way to prevent the loss of muscle from aging, and it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Strength training, exercise, and keeping physically active are some of the best ways to stay healthy for years to come.

It is important to note that natural muscle loss is different from muscle loss from various health conditions such as surgery, or diseases. For most individuals, muscle deterioration happens because of disuse, lack of physical activity, or natural aging. However, building muscle at an older age is still possible. Studies have shown that older muscles have the ability to adapt and increase when a designed training program is followed. The Canadian Chiropractic Association notes that training programs have been found to increase strength and muscle size regardless of age or gender.

How strength training prevents muscle loss

Any type of physical activity is helpful for preventing age-related muscle loss. However, strength training is particularly helpful. Here are some ways strength training helps prevent muscle loss.

• Decreases muscle loss: It has been found that adults who do not participate in regular strength training can lose between 4.9 lbs and 6.6 lbs of muscle every decade. 

• Maintains metabolic rate: Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat. Therefore maintaining muscle tissue also helps to maintain a higher metabolic rate. 

• Increases muscle mass: Research has found that participating in a strength training program can increase muscle mass by 3.1 lbs over an eight week period. A typical strength training period is defined as 25 minutes of strength training exercises three days per week.

• Increases bone density: Research has also found that continuous resistant training has similar effects on bone tissue. This means, that strength training also increases bone mineral density.

• Reduces risk of injury: Maintaining muscle strength can help prevent injuries such as back pain. Muscle strength also helps maintain quality of life. 
   

If you are concerned about muscle loss related to aging, consider a consult with a chiropractic doctor Shawnee, KS who can help create a healing treatment plan for you. Specific exercises that are designed to help you build muscle strength can be prescribed based on your needs. Chiropractors are trained in providing treatment plans to help manage pain and heal injuries in a holistic manner.

Thanks to LifeWorks for their insights on how to combat muscle loss from aging, as well as alternative medicine.