Myth: Weight gain is inevitable as we age
Truth: We lose muscle mass when we age so if we eat the same amount of food with less muscle mass, we will gain weight. Weight gain is NOT inevitable.
It is true that building muscle is easier when we are young. Muscle mass requires more calories to support a healthy weight so people with a higher percentage of lean muscle can eat more calories without gaining weight. It is also easier to maintain muscle mass than to build muscle as we age.
The issue is that when we age, we lose muscle mass. Starting at around age 30, if we aren’t putting in the work to maintain it, we start lose lean muscle. This means that if we continue to eat as we always have but no longer have the muscle mass to support those calories, we have caloric surplus. It’s not hard to draw the line then that excess calories will lead to weight gain.
The bottom line is that you can’t outrun the fork. Simply stated: If you eat more calories than your body needs, you will gain weight. If you have a larger percentage of lean muscle, the more calories you will be able to eat maintain your weight.
Resistance exercises don’t need to be fancy and do not require Herculean effort to get results. You can start getting results with something as light as a set of 5 pound dumbbells.
If you have never done resistance type exercises before, don’t worry. It’s never too late to start. Find a qualified coach that understands your goals, background, and lifestyle. She (or he) can design a program that allows you to build strength, confidence, and a really nice butt.
The coaches at True North Performance have experience working with individuals of all ages to build muscle, lose body fat, and get results. If you are looking for a place to get started, book a No Sweat Consultation today.