Most of my life, when I thought of muscles I mainly thought about appearance; I wanted to have firmer muscles so that I would look better. As I watched my amazing dog, Buddy, lose muscles during the last few years of his life, I realized that muscle loss is a totally natural progression. Despite walking miles a day, he was still losing muscles. It really made it hit home that as we age, we need to do MORE to keep the muscles we already have. And, I have also learned that muscles play a key role in our health and wellness. They are the driving force behind every move we make and are essential for our overall well-being. In fact, strong muscles are a key component of a healthy, functional, and joyful life – especially as we age!
The Mighty Role of Muscles
Beyond giving us the strength to lift heavy grocery bags or the ability to climb stairs without fatigue, muscles serve several crucial roles in our bodies. They stabilize joints, maintain posture, produce heat to help regulate body temperature, and aid in the circulation of blood and lymph throughout our bodies. Muscles also enhance our metabolism. The more muscle mass we have, the more calories we burn, even when we’re resting or sleeping.
What’s more, strong muscles improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. They also enhance our ability to metabolize glucose, which is beneficial for managing conditions like diabetes. Muscles play a substantial role in boosting our mood. Engaging in muscle-strengthening exercises releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that uplift our spirits.
The Challenge of Aging
Unfortunately, as we age, we naturally lose muscle mass in a process known as sarcopenia. From the age of 30, we can lose as much as 3-5% of muscle mass per decade. And for women, the hormonal changes of menopause can accelerate the process to 5-10% loss. This loss can lead to increased frailty and decreased functionality, affecting our quality of life.
However, the good news is that this decline is not inevitable, and we can counteract it with regular physical activity. Engaging in exercises that challenge and strengthen our muscles can help maintain, and even increase, muscle mass and strength, no matter our age.
The Power of Yoga and Nia
That’s where practices like Yoga and Nia step into the limelight. These mindful movement modalities not only focus on flexibility and relaxation but also incorporate strength-building exercises. They are an effective, fun, and functional way to maintain and enhance muscle mass and strength.
Practicing yoga engages both large and small muscle groups, promoting muscle endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Gentle Yoga, Yoga Basics, Mixed Level Yoga and Yin Yoga all put the muscles to work, building stability, strength, and endurance. Little by little, again and again, these practices will not only maintain but improve muscular health.
Janie’s Seated Strength and Stretch Class is ideal for improving muscle health. Janie combines strength-building exercises with yogic stretching, all designed to be completed while comfortably seated. Using light weights along with core-based movements and stretches, it’s a great way to tone and fortify your muscles and boost flexibility. It’s a great place to get started on your muscle journey.
Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts and offers a holistic approach to muscle health. The flowing, dance-like movements of Nia provide a full-body workout that enhances muscle tone, strength, and flexibility.
Embrace the Journey
At SoulShine Studios, we provide a welcoming space for everyone to explore and engage with these practices, regardless of age or fitness level. We’re here to nurture strength, promote health, and foster joy. So, let’s celebrate the unseen power of muscles; let’s appreciate them beyond the mirror and recognize their importance in every aspect of our lives. Join us at SoulShine Studios and continue to shine bright in your muscle health journey!
Check our schedule to book a class, send us an email at info@soulshinestudios.com,or stop by the studio at 9200 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 111 in Richmond, VA.
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