What do you think of when you hear terms like pumping iron or lifting weights? What about deadlifts, lunges, or squats? If you immediately picture Arnold Schwarzenegger circa 1986, you’re not alone. Many women associate bulky male bodybuilders with resistance training. But if you assume weight training will lead to a muscle man’s physique, it’s time to think again. 

Not only does strength training for women over 40 lead to the development of attractive lean muscle and enhanced tone, but it also safeguards against a cadre of age-related issues. The declines we associate with age are not inevitable. You don’t have to settle for symptoms like slowing down, lost muscle, and declining tone. But you do need to get serious about healthy habits and weight training. 

Here’s why strength resistance exercises are essential to maintaining an active independent lifestyle. 

Loss of Muscle Mass 

From birth to 30, our muscles grow larger and stronger, keeping us robust and healthy. But somewhere in our 30s, this trend starts to change. Muscle mass and function begins to deteriorate in a process known as age-related sarcopenia. 

Sarcopenia’s effects prove devastating for those who are inactive. They can lose as much as three to five percent of their muscle mass every decade after 30. Even people who remain active will lose some muscle, although weight training can significantly reduce the percentages. And there’s no better time to start reversing muscle mass loss than now. After all, losses in muscle mass impact your strength and mobility. What’s more, sarcopenia accelerates around 75, increasing the likelihood of falls and fractures. By the eighth decade, muscle mass loss can prove severe, greatly restricting your quality of life. 

Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be your story. If you put in the work to keep your muscles strong and healthy now, you’ll enjoy a longer, happier, and more independent life tomorrow.  

Loss of Bone Density

Although sarcopenia may not be a term you’re as familiar with, I know you’ve heard about osteoporosis and the dangers it presents to women. Osteoporosis (literally “porous bone”) is a devastating disease that can turn minor bumps or falls into life-threatening situations. It’s a silent killer that weakens your skeleton without any symptoms until you have a break. 

Fortunately, it’s never too late to start taking steps to preserve bone mineral density. Preventative measures include eating a healthy diet replete with calcium-rich foods like kale, tofu, beans, and dairy products.

Strength Training for Women Over 40

Strength Training for women over 40 is the best way to go. Even 15 to 20 minutes a day can help you start to reverse the effects of bone density loss. Weight-bearing exercises remain the key to staying independent and injury-free.

Are you ready to live your best life? Then, it’s time to reclaim your youth vibrancy, and best body through strength training for women over 40. Not sure where to start? That’s okay. I’m here to help. Access my free video training now to jumpstart your journey into the Age Well System. Or book a complimentary phone call to discuss your fitness goals and how we can work together to achieve them.