On Saturday I challenged you to up your exercise!  As silly as doing a couple of squats a day or merely standing up and sitting down from a chair may seem, there is a reason for my request!  Your muscles can’t afford to take a corona-cation.  As we age, one of the toughest challenges that we face is maintaining a healthy body composition. Body composition is simply the percentage of your body’s muscle and fat mass.  Starting in our mid-forties, we begin to lose muscle mass and progressively accumulate fat mass.  On average, between the ages of 40-60, a person gains about 1 pound of fat per year and loses a 1/2 pound of muscle.  By age 75, if you haven’t been actively exercising, 50% of your muscle mass can vanish! Beyond the loss of strength that occurs with reduced muscle mass, a loss in lean tissue affects our health in many ways.  It can lead to obesity, increased risk for chronic diseases, hamper your ability to recover from illness, put you at an increased risk of falls and fractures and reduce your mobility. So there are reasons far and above the importance of exercise than just looking good.  Maintaining lean tissue as we age is critical for a healthy, well-functioning body. Click here to learn 5 Reasons Why Muscle Mass Benefits Healthy Aging. Is your current exercise program effective in increasing lean muscle mass?  Maybe you haven’t created a consistent exercise program that is going to build muscle mass and improve your overall health.  If you aren’t sure whether your exercise program is truly effective or you need some suggestions on where to begin, then it’s time for an Exercise Review Session!

Susan Brady is a Physical Therapist, Nutrition Consultant and Doctor of Integrative Medicine. She has been treating women with osteoporosis for over 30 years and is dedicated to helping people achieve lasting good health and vitality.

Want to learn more about how you can improve your bone health? Contact me for a free 20- minute phone consult to learn more about the BONES Method™ and how it can help you achieve strong, healthy bones for life!