If you wonder why strength training seemed to burst out of nowhere into our common awareness about 40 years ago, a new book is here to explain how it didn’t. “Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives” presents the history of how humans and society have viewed muscle and strength training – from
What does it mean to have muscle? When we were kids, we probably thought of athletes and superheroes. In our 20s, we might have associated muscle with lots of weightlifting in the gym and young men with bulging physiques. But later in life, we need to realize that muscle means more than big biceps. We
Snacking is bad for you, right? Well, not necessarily. When we use the idea of “snacking” in relation to movement and other aspects of wellbeing, we can make additional strides towards our health goals. We still need our full, well-balanced “meals” of gym workouts, running, etc. But these little “sneak ‘em in” tactics can help
Do you want to feel better? And move better, too? Of course you do – everyone does. It’s one of the biggest motivators for getting fit after 50 or staying fit later in life. People start to complain their back hurts, or they feel stiff in the morning. But those who feel good and move
Here are some of the questions we’re often asked regarding exercise after age 50. Let us know of any other questions you have! We are happy to answer them. Question: Will lifting weights make me big and bulky? Answer: No! Strength training is absolutely essential to healthy living as we get older. We’re not talking
Sheri knew something was wrong. She’d always been active, particularly enjoying daily walks. But lately her balance and posture were off. Her knees jerked. Her hands trembled. So, when her doctor diagnosed her with Parkinson’s disease last year, it was almost a relief. “At least now I knew,” says Sheri, 73. She started an exercise
Wednesday, April 2, is National Walking Day, a celebration promoted by the American Heart Association to encourage people to get up and get moving. We’re all for anything that helps folks take that first step—literally—toward better health. And don’t worry if the day came and went. You can make every day one for steps! Here
Dan King, 65, lives by the “use it or lose it” mantra. “If you’re not pushing yourself physically, you’re signaling your body to decay faster, to degrade faster, and I don’t want that,” Dan says. “I want this chassis to be able to support all things I love to do for as long as I
Picture this: Your grandchild runs toward you, arms outstretched. You bend down to scoop him up—except your back twinges, your knees protest, and you struggle to stand tall. Sound familiar? Or maybe you catch yourself slouching, with that rounded back that makes you look and even feel older than you are. Both are common signs that your posterior
Liz Hopwood was planning to have hip-replacement surgery this spring. But now, she’s too strong and too busy for that. It’ll just have to wait – because Liz, 90, is pain free and feeling great. She’s been working out twice a week with a trainer at a gym and almost every day at home. “The