Death, Taxes and… “Sarcopenia”. Now, I’m sure you’re wondering what I’m on about, but before you ask auntie Google, let me quickly explain. Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass. And yep, if you do nothing to reverse that process it is a certainty in life.
In fact, following a 2014 study by UCLA1 and published in the American Journal of Medicine and subsequent studies by Sao Paulo’s Medical School in Brazil and Harvard Medical School2 it was determined that loss of muscle mass was linked to increased mortality among older people, meaning that healthy muscle mass means you’re on this planet a little bit longer.
Needless to say, the fitness industry started to take note of a widely ignored market, namely the older among us, those close to or past retirement age. And, although it had been long advocated that regular low-intensity activity would add to overall quality of life; following this study there was immediate realisation that muscle focused resistance exercise would also add years not just quality. And then there are all the other benefits, because as it turns out recent studies shows a direct link between effective immunity responses and muscle mass.
For those of us who have been helping people live great lives, none of this has come as a surprise. At NZKM we have always looked more closely at changing body composition through progressive resistance training, ramping up the workout as strength and endurance increases.
So, it really is never too late! But that doesn’t excuse those who are younger or approaching middle age. The process of slowing muscle deterioration down is greatly increased the earlier we tackle it.
Come see us at NZKM and train with the best to achieve your best.