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Preventing Muscle Loss as We Age

nytimes.com

211–220 of 334 posts

Re: Preventing Muscle Loss as We Age

#211

Preventing muscle and bone loss mainly involves keeping hormones/vitamins/minerals/nutrients in range and maintaining efficient metabolism. And maybe exercising.

Diet often isn't enough as you age. You will almost certainly lose muscle (and thereby lose autonomy) as you age, unless you're getting some form of strength training. Strength training also stimulates osteoblasts, strengthening bones.

Re: Preventing Muscle Loss as We Age

#212

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think you need to factor age in as well. Recovery is a lot easier in your 20's.

I'm in my 40s. Too often people use a 'recovery day' to just skip the gym. Life throws enough curve balls, that few of us need a scheduled recovery day.

You're doing better than me then :-) I do 4 days of heavy lifts a week, and the other days are rest days. I don't schedule deload weeks though, as life causes those (work crunches, colds, family holidays etc).

Re: Preventing Muscle Loss as We Age

#214
post #168

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Counterpoint: my wife and I are well into our 40s yet often mistaken for being much younger. Being significantly overweight gives us nice smooth wrinkle free skin.

Really? I'd guess "wrinkles" would be more determined by sun damage, or the sort of flappiness body-mass loss that happens after >60yrs, or people who yo-yoed weight. Maybe people who exercise tend to get more sun damage...

A fat round face has less creases where winkles might form.

Re: Preventing Muscle Loss as We Age

#215
post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Most people have no idea I'm 41, and instead think I'm in my 30s. Balding and grey hair show I'm not in my 20s ;) My 'secret' is I workout every single day . I might do heavy weight training, sled pushing, surfing, or a spin class. It doesn't matter as long as I do something physically challenging. I also follow an 80/20 rule on eating paleo-ish. Mainly I try to avoid processed foods, but I'll still eat a pizza or go…

Do you have children? I used to run or cycle at least 5 days a week but since my daughter was born (and stopped being an infant) it is a struggle to keep a regular exercise regimen. I try to run with her in a jogging stroller when I can but this is much more susceptible to foul weather than when I could just adjust my own clothing.

I do and workout nearly every day. You just have to find the time. It's not always easy, but we find time for the things that are important to us.

Re: Preventing Muscle Loss as We Age

#216
post #169

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Exactly. This is why I do it everyday - it becomes a habit. I wake up and work out. No different than brushing my teeth.

You do that on empty stomach? Serious question, it's my main difficulty with morning workout.

You may also get used to it. I used to always exercise at night but a few years ago I switched to morning and now I can't exercise at night anymore.

Re: Preventing Muscle Loss as We Age

#217
post #14

I always like to show this picture as an example. https://i.imgur.com/ZcDedfo.jpg I don't have an original source but it shows a MRI leg scan comparison between a 40yo triathlete, a sedentary 70yo and a 70yo triathlete. The picture tells the story...

Very neat! Why does the 3rd picture have so much less fat than the first?

Re: Preventing Muscle Loss as We Age

#218
post #47
post #14

I always like to show this picture as an example. https://i.imgur.com/ZcDedfo.jpg I don't have an original source but it shows a MRI leg scan comparison between a 40yo triathlete, a sedentary 70yo and a 70yo triathlete. The picture tells the story...

Can be summarized as "use it or lose it".

Counterpoint that becomes increasingly relevant as one ages: "wear and tear."

Re: Preventing Muscle Loss as We Age

#219

I can't recommend StrongLifts enough. https://stronglifts.com I'm up to squatting 130kg now and feeling great!

I've used this program several times in the last few years after seeing a comment here on HN.

I started at 49, 55 now, no serious weight lifting experience prior, just basic exercises.

Worked up from the empty bar. My max on squat has been about 260, and deadlift about 310. Various injuries from prior to lifting keep that about as high as I go.

I supplement with swimming on non-lift days during the week, yoga and walking on most weekends.

Been a boon to overall fitness, have done long distance backpacking and canoeing (90 miles just this summer) with my oldest son's scout troop. Just last week did a one day 50 mile ride with my youngest son.

The app makes it a game that helps with the commitment, I get up at 4:30 to carve out the time each day.

Re: Preventing Muscle Loss as We Age

#220

I can't recommend StrongLifts enough. https://stronglifts.com I'm up to squatting 130kg now and feeling great!

I can't believe people still recommend squats and bench presses to beginners. Great way to cause a life-changing back or shoulder injury.

Unilateral leg exercises and dumbbells are a much better starting point. They can work their way up to squats and bench presses if they decide to compete or want to impress people who ask "How much can you squat and bench?"

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