Of all the tools at our disposal to help us glide into our wisdom years, strength training may be the most useful. Recent scientific findings are confirming that lifting weights may indeed counteract some of the primary indicators of aging. A pivotal study in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle investigated the effects of strength training on human skeletal muscle, as it relates to signs of aging.
The study delved into the relationship between muscle (myofiber) shape and various factors including age, exercise, and myofiber type. One of the key discoveries was the positive correlation between the shape of the muscle, known as the myofiber shape factor index (SFI), and age. Muscle fibers can become increasingly misshapen as we age, which is most prevalent in the oldest groups. Type II muscle fibers, which have the most potential for size and strength, displayed the largest changes in shape with aging.
However, researchers observed that heavy strength training improved the shape of aging muscle fibers, suggesting that lifting weights could reverse these age-related changes. In addition, the study also demonstrated that muscle fiber shape emerged as an independent predictor of muscle mass and function, underscoring the importance of myofiber shape in assessing muscle health.
These findings may be proof positive that incorporating strength training into a wellness program is crucial for longevity. Weight training supports not just physical but also mental well-being, offering a holistic approach to aging with grace.
Now that science is clearly demonstrating that strength training can mitigate the signs of muscle aging, the phrase “it’s never too late to start” has never been more true. A strong and functional body epitomizes health; strength training is an indispensable tool for longevity.
