Headline: 5 Gentle Bodyweight Exercises to Stay Strong After 50, According to a PT
Intro: As you age, muscle loss is inevitable without regular strength training. mobility tends to decline, too. That’s why heavy lifting and high-impact exercises aren’t always the most suitable choice. Physical therapist Dr. Devin Trachman recommends bodyweight exercises to build strength through functional movements you use every day.
Why Bodyweight Training?
“bodyweight training can do more than just improve strength. it also can increase coordination and stability, help to prevent injury, and support living independently,” Dr. Trachman explains. “After 50 years old, the risk of osteoporosis and bone loss increases. Bodyweight exercises stimulate bone remodeling and help slow the loss of bone mass.”
Another great benefit of bodyweight training? It’s accessible, and you don’t need a pricey gym membership or equipment to perform it.
Exercises:
- Squats: This exercise engages the glutes, quads, core, and hamstrings.
Stand tall with your feet planted shoulder-width apart.
Bend at the knees and hips as you lower into a squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
- Bird Dogs
Start on all fours.
Extend your left arm and right leg.
Hold for a moment before returning to the start position.
Switch sides.
- Lunges
