Motivational music:
The Dalai Lama says that the ultimate purpose in life is to pursue happiness, and in so doing we must first achieve health, wealth and love. I would argue that one of these elements is required before the others can be achieved. If health is not prioritized, gaining wealth and love may be difficult.
As we age, a number of things happen that will lead to the weakening of our bodies. Some of these include muscle wasting, loss of strength and decreased insulin sensitivity. Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle tissue that starts after the age of 30 and accounts for a 3% loss of muscle mass each decade of life thereafter. Dynapenia is the loss of strength in the muscles that results from sarcopenia. We all need to be aware of these two conditions and the best tools for overriding their effects on our bodies. It is important to note that sarcopenia and dynapenia are relevant not just from a functional perspective, i.e., negotiating stairs, squatting or lifting bags, but also from a metabolic perspective. The more muscle mass we have, the greater our insulin sensitivity and the better our heart and brain health will be along with other body function.
Physical activity is the best treatment for sarcopenia and dynapenia. Moreover, resistance training and strength training are ideal for combatting the loss of muscle mass and strength and lessening the negative effects of aging.
You are never too old to get started. So get up and get moving, making sure to learn and use the proper form for squats and deadlifts and similar movements that lessen the effects of sarcopenia and dynapenia on our post-30-something bodies.
When we are healthy we are mentally sharper, happier, more creative and less reactive to stress. If you modify your life to include physical activity, you can achieve the necessary health to pursue wealth, love and ultimately happiness. Do it today, because sometimes later becomes never.
Dr. Ivan Hernandez aka Dr.Ivan, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, FMS
Twitter: @DrIvanPT | Instagram: @Dr.IvanPT | Facebook: Dr.IvanPT
