Whether it is to improve your body composition in your 20s or build strength and stamina in your 30s or 40s, having muscle mass is of utmost importance.
You may think muscle building is only for the young gym goers whose only focus is to improve their physique. But muscle building does more than that. If you’re in your 30s or 40s muscle building can be beneficial for you. For starters, muscles offer joint support, they help burn more calories, build strong bones, maintain blood levels, and basically make every physical exercise easy for the body – whether it is climbing the stairs, or simply walking. You may be doing all of this easily right now, but you cannot promise the same when you are in your 40s or 50s.
It keeps you healthy and ensures that you stay energised and leaner in your golden years.
So, if you are training to build muscles, remember it is an investment for the future.
So, allow us to convince you that you are not too old or late to build muscles.
Muscles are a support system for your joints
Who is your support system? Whoever it is, just know, like them, your muscles are the support system to your joints. They absorb a bit of the impact that radiates through our knees and hips when running, jumping, and even walking. The more muscle we have, the more strength the joints have, ultimately preventing our joints from suffering long-term damage.
Helps burn more calories
With age comes a lot of health problems, including high blood pressure, cholesterol, abnormal thyroid levels, and diabetes, to name a few. All of which can be influenced by your fitness level and diet. So, what we mean is that being overweight in your 30s or 40s can do more damage to your health.
And this is where muscle building comes. The more muscles you have in the body, the more fat you will burn. All thanks to the increased metabolism. It means you burn more calories at rest and will have a slimmer waistline which can save you from numerous health issues.
Helps build strong bones
It works on the theory of contradiction. What we mean is that adding extra pressure on the bones can make them grow stronger. So, when you do resistance training to build muscles, your bones also get stronger in the process.
It is important to note that bone density is crucial when you are ageing. It gradually decreases as you age, making your bones weaker and more prone to breaking, i.e., osteoporosis.
Muscles can help control blood levels
Surprising, no? Speaking of facts, muscles utilise fatty acids and glucose for fuel, keeping our blood sugar levels maintained. And from what we know, elevated blood sugar levels can put you at increased risk for stroke, heart disease and nerve damage.
Makes life easier in your golden years
How do you wish to spend your golden years? We hope it’s not being bedridden or juggling with numerous health issues. You may also want to be physically strong and independent so that you wouldn’t want anyone to help you while you climb the stairs. If that is what you want, you must prioritise muscle building.
It can increase stamina, and make your bones stronger enough to do physical activities without any hassle.
What you need to keep in mind
Muscle growth is not a piece of cake. It takes effort and time. So, when it comes to effort, push only as hard as you can. Do not go overboard, and do not lift heavy weights all of a sudden. It’s a good idea to go slow and consult your physician before you start. They can provide you with a list of dos and don’ts according to your medical history and fitness levels. This is essential if you want your workout sessions to be safe and healthy for you.
Closing thoughts
The pursuit of muscle growth transcends age and is a transformative journey that offers numerous benefits to individuals of all generations. From enhanced physical health and functional independence in later years to a boost in self-confidence and overall well-being, it is clear that muscle growth knows no age limits.
Whether you’re a young gym enthusiast or someone in their golden years, the commitment to a regular exercise routine and a balanced diet can pave the way for a stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Embracing the potential for muscle growth at any stage is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human body, reminding us that it’s never too late to invest in our health and physical vitality.