Why do aging adults end up in assisted-living facilities? It’s right there in the title: It comes down to not being able to get up off of the toilet, or to get themselves out of a physical crisis on their own.

This comes down to loss of independence. As adults age, basic movement becomes much more difficult. Some of this is due to physiology. Lean mass production decreases with age and so can bone density. When people retire, they tend to be less active, and they have fewer reasons to get up and out of the house. So they sit all day, and their muscles atrophy.

While there’s nothing we can do to reverse the aging process, there is much that can be done to preserve independence and positively influence the aging process.

The exercise needs of the aging population vary by degree, not kind. What is standing up from the toilet? An air squat. What happens when someone falls and gets back up? A burpee. How do groceries get unloaded from the car? With a farmers carry.

Strength training is critical for aging adults because it helps prevent and reverse osteoporosis (brittle bones) as well as preserve lean muscle mass. Even minor slips and falls often result in broken bones in aging men and women with low bone density. Strength training increases that bone density, preserves lean muscle mass and therefor reduces the risk of injury.

At CrossFit Rush, we have a group program for 55 plus-year-old athlete as well as private sessions. Regardless of the path chosen for exercise, our coaches help to ensure that our clients are comfortable with their training and are seeing results.

Want more information on our Legends program? Click the link below
https://crossfitrush.gymleadmachine.co/legends-55-rockland