Muscle Loss in Your 40’s, 50’s & 60’s
As you age, you begin to lose muscle mass, to the tune of 2% per year over 35. Your metabolism, the rate you burn calories, is tied directly to muscle mass.
Check this out— Fat burns two calories a pound, and a pound of muscle, at rest, burns about six calories per hour. Is this a good reason to tone up diva?You can see why retaining as much muscle mass as possible is vital in losing weight… but I’ve got another reason.
Lifting weights has the extra benefit of helping women maintain bone density during menopause. Some of the best ways to increase your muscle mass is to do body weight exercises or lifting weights. Don’t worry. Lifting weights will not give you a big, bulky look.
Both will have your muscles tightening and you will achieve a slimmer appearance. Also, don’t be afraid to lift heavier weights. You do not need to stick with the little pink dumbbells (although I do LOVE my pinkies!) Muscle
Lift weights three to four times per week. Alternate the targeted muscle groups. For example, if you lift weights for your arms, shoulders, and upper body on Monday, dedicate Wednesday’s weight-lifting session to legs and lower bodywork. I ALWAYS do an ab set or two 🙂
Body weight exercises are so diverse and require little or no equipment. Squats and lunges can be performed in your own living room, hotel room or local park. Push-ups and pull-ups are also good alternatives to weight rooms and gym apparatus.
