Thursday, 29th September 2022
The BBC is reporting a new study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, which shows muscle strengthening exercise can improve quality of life in older age and contribute to living longer.
But don’t think that this means you have to get to a gym and start bodybuilding. Activities such as carrying shopping, gardening or the Feelgood Toning Suite at Pendle Leisure Centre are all ways to increase muscle - as advised in this new study.
The NHS’ advice is that adults over 65 are physically active every day and do activities to improve strength, balance and flexibility at least twice a week – which are the major benefits of using the power-assisted exercise machines at the Feelgood Toning Suite.
Gain muscle…gain an improved quality of life
The importance of regularly increasing your heart rate has been long known. But it has now become apparent that increasing your body’s lean muscle has a major positive impact on your health. The study involved more than 150,000 people in their 60s and 70s. They were asked about their exercise routine and lifestyle factors.
Results showed that people who did the NHS recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week lived longer than those who didn't – however those that did both regular aerobic exercise (such as walking or swimming) as well as muscle-strengthening activities once or twice a week enjoyed a higher quality of life, improved mental health and overall better physical health.
**They had a 47% lower risk of dying from any cause, apart from cancer, over the next nine years - than those who were not active at all**
"Our finding that mortality risk appeared to be lowest for those who participated in both types of exercise provides strong support for current recommendations to engage in both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities," said study author Dr Jessica Gorzelitz. "Older adults would probably benefit from adding weight lifting exercises to their physical activity routines."
The NHS lists muscle-strengthening activities as:
How can you increase muscle?
The Feelgood Toning Suite at Pendle Leisure Centre provides a range of power-assisted machines designed for use by anyone, regardless of age, mobility or fitness level – and is perfect for people recovering from illness or with limited mobility, all in a friendly and welcoming environment
The machines can be used by anyone and target and build major muscle groups.
Call us on 01282 661165 for a FREE taster session.