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Aging and Exercise

Shopping for the right exercise routine is remarkably similar to dating. We sample different options to discover comfort, compatibility, and a sense of purpose. This process mirrors the act of identifying the "best" workout regimen. We try one style, either sticking with it or moving on to something new.

Just like in dating, the key to a successful match lies in consistency and shared values. As you age, your priorities shift, and the exercise routine that once suited you perfectly might need reevaluation. In this blog post, I delve into the connection between routine resistance training and the potential impacts on muscle imbalances, highlighting the importance of aligning our fitness routines with our evolving values.

Aging and Muscle Imbalances Routine resistance training is a common approach to building strength and maintaining health. However, a study reveals an intriguing aspect that merits our attention. As you age, muscle imbalances can develop due to consistent resistance training. Just as the dominance of one hand over the other can lead to uneven muscle development, habitual exercises may cause certain muscles to become stronger while others weaken. For instance, if you're left-hand dominant and rely on that hand for most tasks, over time, the muscles on your left side might become significantly stronger than those on your right.

Consequences of Muscle Imbalances While it might seem harmless, these muscle imbalances can have a profound impact on your skeletal system. The study suggests that disproportionate muscle strength could lead to potential joint, tendon, nerve, and tissue damage. Imagine the skeletal system as a delicate structure that relies on balanced muscle support to function optimally. When one set of muscles becomes significantly stronger than its counterpart, it can disrupt something of an equilibrium of your body's mechanics, potentially leading to discomfort, injuries, and a decreased quality of life.

Aligning Routine with Values The key takeaway from this study is the importance of aligning your exercise routines with your values. Just like in dating, you benefit from a routine that resonates with your preferences, goals, and changing needs over time. Aging gracefully involves adapting your approach to fitness and considering the potential consequences of muscle imbalances.

It's not just about staying active; it's about understanding what exercises hold the most meaning to you and how they contribute to your overall well-being.

Questions for further exploration.

Why do I exercise? What’s the deeper meaning to do it?

What movement style(s) match what I value - exercise that feels deeply meaningful to me?

Does that/those styles recruit all muscular and skeletal systems? If yes, how? If no, what is one way I may do more routine full-body movement?

 REFERENCES

Degens, H, Erskine R. M., Morse C. I., (2009) Disproportionate Changes in Skeletal Muscle Strength and Size in Resistance Training and Ageing, J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact 2009; 9(3):123-129