The average adult does not look forward to strength-training to promote bone health, muscle mass, improve body mechanics and help the body fight disease and chronic illness.
In fact, about half of Americans perform the recommended amount of aerobic activity each week, but only 20 percent also do the muscle-strengthening required for broader health benefits.
Moreover, women are more likely than men to reject strength-training. And that could pose health issues, particularly for women facing or experiencing menopause.
There is a direct link between the lack of estrogen after menopause and the development of osteoporosis, which is also called the "silent disease" because bone loss can occur without symptoms. Women may not realize it until their bones become so weak that even a minor strain, bump, or fall can cause a fracture.
"Strength-training is important for all of us, but it particularly becomes crucial for women after menopause," says Luis Rodriguez, M.D., sports medicine physician with Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute. "When estrogen levels decrease after menopause, strength-training or resistance-training can help maintain healthy bone mineral density and sometimes it can be part of the treatment for osteopenia and osteoporosis. So strength training for women is critical."
[Transcript]
[Strength Training For Women]
[Luis Rodriguez, M.D., Sports Medicine Physician, Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute]
Strength training is important for all of us. But when we were talking particularly about women, it becomes crucial, especially after menopause. If you think about how we use our muscles, we use our muscles for everything.
[Photo collage of people working out and going about their daily lives]
We use them during our daily lives, to go to the grocery store, to carry our kids, to play with them, to do stuff around the house. The more we prepare our muscles for these activities, and the more conditioned our muscles are, the better off we will be and sometimes even prevent injuries from those daily activities. Also, after menopause, when we lose the protective effect of estrogen, as the levels go down after menopause, then it becomes more important.
[Photo collage of older people working out and going about their daily lives]
Because strength training and resistance training can help maintain a healthier bone mineral density, and sometimes even be a part of the treatment for osteopenia and osteoporosis. I think resistance training for women is really important. It's critical.
[For More Information BaptistHealth.net/Ortho]
[End Transcript]
