Episode 33: How to Keep Muscles Strong as You Get Older

Shona Hendricks

In this episode of BoneTalk, Barbara Hannah Grufferman is joined by Shona Hendricks, a sports scientist and head of athlete success at CoachParry.com. Shona also leads live online strength training classes and is the creator of the Running Through Menopause training framework. 

Unfortunately, losing muscle mass is part of aging. It happens to all of us, but it accelerates as we hit our 50’s. The good news is that there are things we can do to mitigate, and even reverse, the muscle loss.

We know that strength training is important, even for those who are already physically active. Shona explains why cardio is great (don’t stop your running, cycling, walking, etc.), but not the full picture. 

Resistance training is the best way to maintain and improve muscle as we age. Getting stronger isn’t just about sport. It impacts all facets of life. Daily activities like picking up grandchildren and pets, and being able to get up and down without assistance are impacted by muscle loss. Barbara and Shona discuss some foundational exercises that you can consider implementing into your routine. And Barbara reminds us that as we get older, our diet may need to change as well.

It’s never too late to make healthy choices. Start where you are, today!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Coach Parry

• Running Through Menopause

• How to Do the Plank

• Full Body Workout in 15 Minutes