The topic of the August Lunch & Learn at Augusta Health was Senior Fitness and included nutrition considerations as well as valuable information on exercise. Several Staunton Senior Center members and the Program Director attended and came back with some information that inspired those involved in the SAIL (Stay Active & Independent for Life) exercise program that it was time to increase the difficulty of the workout. Attendees learned that the condition of Sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass, strength, and flexibility) can be prevented by resistance training which is essential for maintaining and increasing muscle mass. In addition to building muscle, strength training promotes mobility, enhances fitness, and improves bone health.
In strength training, one can add more repetitions or increase the weight during training, so SAILers decided to “bump it up a notch” and increase repetitions on arm and leg exercises from ten reps to fifteen. Some exercisers are contemplating inserting more weight bars in the adjustable cuff weights to increase the force against which their arms and legs are working as well. There is definitely more of a “burn” doing the extra reps! The group needed the encouragement received at this meeting to “move it or lose it” as they participate in regular exercise every day at Staunton Sr. Center and lead an active lifestyle.
More online at www.StauntonSeniorCenter.org.
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