Is it too late to start?

A common question that we get in the clinic is, ‘is it too late for me to start lifting weights at the gym?’

The short answer is no.

Resistance training has been shown to be extremely beneficial, and is recommended by health professionals to help maintain your bone and muscle quality. The World Health Organisation recommends adults take part in muscle strengthening activities at least twice per week. What’s more, this recommendation doesn’t change for adults over 65 years.

The human body continuously goes through a remodelling process of replacing old muscle cells with new ones. Weight training encourages the body to replace old cells with stronger ones to help cope with the load that is introduced via the exercises. As such, it is highly recommended for older individuals to pick up weight training as part of their exercise routine.

Resistance training can also help manage various musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, osteopenia, sarcopenia, and it can help with weight management as well as various other health benefits!

Going to a gym may feel like a very daunting and intimidating experience, but understand that there are other alternatives to get you started even in your very own home! Being supervised by a physiotherapist is a great way to start if you are unfamiliar with strength training.

Unless you have been advised by a medical professional that you have a medical condition that stops you from doing weight or resistance exercise, there should be no reason for you to feel like it is too late! Physios are well placed to advise you on which type of exercise.

If you feel like you require assistant in getting started with your training or exercise, feel free to contact our clinic at Lifecare Applecross and speak to one of physiotherapists.