Muscles & Massage: The Power of Strength Training & Recovery Practices

Today’s topic  is one that hopefully touches every single one of us; whether you are a teen just starting to explore your fitness journey- in your thirties just trying to stay strong- or in your fifties, sixties, or beyond wondering if you are too old to lift a weight.

I am talking about strength, muscles, and how strength training  can literally change the way your body ages inside and out.

Think of your muscles as the scaffolding of your body- they wrap around your bones, ligaments and joints acting like armor – a supportive layer that absorbs shock , distributes load, and stabilizes your joints. They keep you safe from falls and injuries. 

Many people still think strength training-lifting weights is just for athletes, or for the body building crowd. But the truth is  strength  training is for everyone, from teenagers building life long habits, to adults in their 40’s and 50’s maintaining vitality- to people in their 70’s 80’s and 90’s just wanting to preserve their independence. 

Muscles are not just for athletes, muscles are for all of us,  and a lifetime investment.

Here is what happens inside your body when you lift regularly:

*Builds and Maintains Bone Density

*  Muscles store energy

* Muscles support heart health

 *Muscles  improve Metabolism 

 * Muscles enhance circulation and lymph flow 

  * Muscles and Hormones-

  * Muscles  and Mood

  *Your muscles are another internal bodyguard

Lifting weights is like taking the best full body supplement your body could ever create- one your muscles manufacture naturally as your reward for movement!

And here is a bonus many don’t realize- muscles release beneficial hormones and chemicals that reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and support  brain health. Muscles are not just for moving; they actively help keep you alive and thriving. 

Massage helps muscles:

·   Relax and release tension- it reduces stiffness, soreness and improves range of motion

·   Massage increases circulation- massage delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues for faster healing

·   It lengthens and hydrates your fascia which is a thin, stretchy layer of connective tissue that wraps around and holds every muscle, bone, organ, and nerve in place- like a body wide web that keeps everything connected and supported. – AND Massage keeps connective tissue  flexible & supple which improves movement by reducing stiffness

·   And it detoxifies- massage supports your body’s natural detox system by stimulating lymphatic drainage. It also helps clear metabolic waste, the byproducts your cells create as they work- things like lactic acid and carbon dioxide. Together this helps reduce puffiness, ease muscle soreness, and give your body a cleaner, lighter feel from the inside out.

·   Massage Lowers cortisol- calms the nervous system helping reduce stress and anxiety

·   it also  supports your immune function- it increases activity of white blood cells that help fight sickness

·   And a good massage- will boost your mood- massage triggers the release of serotonin and dopamine improving your overall well being.

Remember movement doesn’t age you- neglect does! Your muscles are your allies- protect them, strengthen them, and treat them well. Respect your form, respect your limits, but don’t shy away from keeping your body strong. Muscles are meant to work- that’s why we have them- work them.

Enjoy!

Joanne

The Aging Mask- A LifeStyle Medicine Podcast

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