Why It Matters at Any Age
Let’s set the record straight: you don’t need to be a bodybuilder or spend hours pumping iron. But you do need muscle. Why? Because muscle is protective, and when your body is injured, it depends on muscle to heal.
Muscle: Your Built-In Repair Kit
When your body repairs injuries, it needs amino acids—the building blocks of protein. Here’s the catch: your body doesn’t have a dedicated storage system for amino acids. Instead, it pulls them from three places: the protein you eat, amino acids in circulation, and your muscle tissue. Yes, if your body needs to repair a leg injury, it might borrow from your shoulder. Wild, right?
If you don’t have enough muscle, you don’t have a deep enough “amino acid pool” to draw from. That can make recovery slower and harder.
The Problem With Muscle Loss
Starting at age 30, if you’re not actively working to maintain your muscle, you’re losing it. Add to that the fact that your body becomes less efficient at processing protein as you age—something called anabolic resistance. Without action, this muscle loss compounds over time, leaving you more vulnerable to injuries and slower to recover.
Building Muscle: What You Need to Know
The good news? You can gain muscle at any age with the right strategy:
- Strength Training: Resistance training is your best friend. It’s not about running marathons or cycling centuries—those are great for your heart but won’t build muscle.
- Protein Intake: Eating enough protein is critical. Your muscles need fuel to grow and repair.
Take Action Today
Muscle isn’t just about looking strong—it’s about staying healthy and resilient. Whether you want to recover faster, improve your strength, or future-proof your body, resistance training and proper nutrition are the keys.
If you’re ready to start or need a little guidance, I’m here to help. My personal training programs are designed to help you build and maintain muscle, no matter your starting point. Let’s make your health a priority. Contact me today to get started!
