The Center for Disease Control recommends that seniors do at least 2 days a week of activities that strengthen muscles. Strength training is of utmost importance as we age. So why did I say don’t waste your time strength training? As a personal trainer, the workouts I see many older people doing at the gym frustrate me. Too often they are at best ineffective or dangerous and can cause injury.

Frail and elderly do not need to go hand-in-hand. You are never too old to build new muscle. An 80 year-old who has never exercised to build muscle will lose half of her muscle but a 70-80 year old who does regular strength training can be in as good as or better condition than a 20 something who isn’t active.

To build muscle and strength, certain criteria needs to met. (more…)