The Fountain of Youth

So many times I have had older people say to me "isn't it too late for me to build muscle?" My answer has always been no, it is not too late. Strength training will actually reverse or slow down the aging process-- it's the fountain of youth. I actually have a few clients who are older than 70 years old and they have excellent strength and good definition. I even have one who is over 80. For all of you who think that I only train good looking women, these clients that I'm referring to are "STUDS"!

Research not only shows that resistance training increases muscle strength and function, but it also affects the gene expression of older muscles--essentially turning back the clock on muscle aging. Genes hold the instructions for which the body manufactures fats, proteins and enzymes. Most older muscle tissue reported to have impaired functioning in mitochondria-- structures within cells that produce energy for cells through respiration.

The studies showed that this impairment in these older muscles was reversible after months of strength training. The gene expression profile in their muscles showed a more youthful appearance.

Therefore, all of you young "whipper snappers" better get to lifting!!

BA