Weight Training for Longer Life - Mojo Rider
Unlike James, I never got into bodybuilding, but I did get into weight training. Part of my motivation was being an ectomorph growing up and my metabolism was super fast. I couldn't gain weight no matter how much I ate. I did enjoy and indulge in anything I wanted to eat, though.
Weight training was a way to work on what I felt were my weakest and underdeveloped muscle groups. In addition, I also lifted with specific goals in mind, to strengthen certain muscle groups for sports related activities. It was really more functional lifting when I was younger.
To some extent, I still do functional lifting, but today, it's mostly for trying to stay toned and to keep a level of strength. Maybe James is more consistent with his lifting, as I've lifted off and on for some time now.
As I've gotten older, alas, my metabolism has slowed down and easy weight gain has become an unwanted part of aging. With life's demands, it's easy to let a regular exercise program go out the window. So I'm a little heavier than I want to be and the concessions I have to make with getting older is to really watch what I eat in addition to having to increase the intensity of my workouts with what time I do have. But one constant for burning up lots of calories has always been weight lifting. That is the one tried and true method I've discovered. But everyone is different and you must find what works best for you.
I've got two older siblings, neither who've done much weight lifting. I keep telling them the benefits of lifting as they get older. And yet, with their busy lives, they don't ever get around to incorporating weight lifting into their activities. I tell them that it maintains good bone health, strengthens yours tendons, helps give your metabolism a boost. But lifting isn't just for vanity; it's for helping you live longer.
Here's a great health report in the Washington Post that talks more about the benefits of lifting that even I wasn't aware of:
To thrive longer, get stronger
Some the highlights they discuss are as follows:
- Declining muscle mass can lead to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses
- Muscle mass starts declining around the age of 40
- No matter how old you are, muscles always respond to weight training
- Strength training provides cardiovascular benefits
- It may help reduce high blood pressure
- May help in preventing cancer and increases mobility as we age
Comments
Whereas when I was young, I focused on the most I could do gain the ultimate physique (training 6 days a week, eating 5-6 meals a day, etc), I now focus on what's the minimum I can do to maintain an impressive physique. My schedule forces me to think and train this way.
The minimum people need to do to get in shape is to focus on strength. Strength is the foundation for all other athletic qualities, which is why it provides the multiple health benefits listed. Gain strength in a balanced manner and all else follows.
You seemed to have really been disciplined to do the 6 day routine! Most of my bulk is the result of just carrying excess weight around. Otherwise, it's hard for me to get massive; it takes far too much effort and I'm not all that disciplined about going heavy. Yeah, it's maintenance of what I do have and trying to maintain that level of strength. I'm okay with the size I have, I just need to get harder, firmer, and stronger. You and I both work in a field that has a big drinking culture and that doesn't help in the weight gain area and getting rid of the spare tire! I'm at the age now where I have to make compromises with the happy hours and all.
Like you said, strength is the foundation for athletic endeavors. And I'd add it's the foundation for a better quality of life. My older brother tweaked his shoulder just trying to lift groceries out of the car trunk! So it's very true, the decline of your muscle mass and strength happens as we get older.