The Importance of Resistance Training for Senior Citizens

As we get older we all too often believe that we need to cut back on exercise --- at least on weight training. Perhaps, weight training or resistance training was once the venue for young men who wanted to develop muscles. Today according to all scientific evidence resistance training is just as important for senior citizens, maybe more so.

Of course, no one really expects a 65 year old woman to bench press 150 pounds. However, weight training or resistance training should be a major part of the older person's workout regime.

There are many reasons for using resistance bands rather than free weights. Often with free weights muscle strain can occur. That is not to say that it is impossible to hurt oneself with resistance bands, but it is definitely more difficult.

As we age there is a greater need than ever to keep our muscles strong. Muscular development should be continued well into our older years. In fact, many of us who have never used resistance bands should consider getting a set and beginning resistance training. All the aerobic exercise in the world will not build or maintain our muscular development or maintenance the way resistance bands can and will with proper use.

Physical therapists working with many hospice programs often use resistance bands rather than free weights to help seniors regain balance and build extra strength in weakening legs and arms. While walking is a good daily activity, it cannot develop or maintain muscles the way resistance can.

For those who are older or who have senior citizens in the family a call to the local gym or to a physical therapist's office can provide the exercises needed to keep hips and legs strong. One of the best exercises for older people is to have the person sit, tie a light weight band around the knees while they are pressed together and ask the person to remain sitting while trying to open their legs. This simple exercise that any older person can do will help strengthen the muscles in the thighs and around the hips, often preventing the muscles from degenerating and causing a fall.

For seniors resistance training cannot begin too soon. Resistance bands are very inexpensive and can be purchased online or at many health stores. The small investment of money and time can prevent falls and add to a person's mobility, adding many active years to later life.