Use It...Or Lose It!

We have all heard the saying "use it or lose it" when it comes to exercising. Did you know that, at around age 40, the average person loses about a half pound of muscle mass per year? As a rule, muscle mass declines with age and picks up speed after age 50. Men and women of all ages and genders need to use and strengthen our muscles as we get older to prevent falls and injuries.

If you want to retain or build muscle, consider adding a little weight or strength training to your daily routine. You don't have to belong to a gym to lift weights or push your muscles to be stronger. Here are some easy things you can do at home a couple times a week:

Arm bicep curls with cans of soup or water bottles

Chair leg lifts

Jump rope

Kicks - (stand to side of chair and kick leg out and back)

Lunges

Planks

Push ups (regular or modified against wall)

Squats

Walk

If you haven't lifted weights before or if you are out of shape, remember to start with light hand weights such as 2 or 3 pounders to prevent muscle strains. Use proper form and good posture to protect your back. The stronger you are, the better you will feel!