When we think about ageing well, we often focus on things like weight, flexibility or cardiovascular fitness. While all of these matter, one factor stands out as one of the strongest predictors of long-term health and independence: muscle mass.
Muscle is not just about strength or appearance. It plays a vital role in how well we move, how resilient our bodies are and how confidently we can live our day-to-day lives as we get older.
Muscle Supports Everyday Function
Muscle allows us to do the things we often take for granted. Getting up from a chair, carrying groceries, climbing stairs and maintaining balance all rely on adequate strength. As muscle mass declines with age, these everyday tasks can gradually become harder.
Maintaining muscle helps preserve independence and reduces the risk of falls and injury, which become more significant concerns later in life.
Muscle Protects Metabolic Health
Muscle is metabolically active tissue. The more muscle you have, the more energy your body uses at rest. This supports blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health.
As muscle mass decreases, it becomes easier to gain fat and harder to maintain stable energy levels. Strength training helps counteract this process by encouraging your body to hold onto muscle as you age.
Why Muscle Matters More After 40
From our 30s onward, we naturally lose muscle if we do not actively work to maintain it. Hormonal changes during peri and post menopause can accelerate this process, making strength training even more important for women over 40.
Building and preserving muscle supports bone density, joint health and confidence in movement. It also helps people stay active and engaged in the activities they enjoy.
Strength Training Is the Key
The most effective way to build and maintain muscle is progressive strength training. It does not require extreme workouts or heavy lifting from day one, what matters is consistency, good technique, and training that is appropriate for your body and stage of life.
If you would like support building strength that carries you well into the years ahead, we would love to welcome you in. Let’s build strength that lasts.