Share

Weightlifting for seniors

accreditation
In an exciting new study is being conducted in Australia where scientists are setting out to prove that doing weightlifting exercises can reverse osteoporosis.

In a programme called LiftMor (Lifting Intervention For Training Muscle and Osteoporosis Rehabilitation), they have asked women over 60 to take part in weightlifting exercises for 30 minutes twice a week.

The study runs for 8 months. One of the participants has already reported a 4% increase in bone density and the researchers are confident.

The ladies are also expected to increase their muscle strength and the overall outcome is to reduce the number of fractures that older women are at risk of - it is estimated that one in 3 women over 60 will experience a fracture due to a gradual decline in bone health.

Up for it? Discuss this with your doctor and head to the gym where you should talk through the exercise regime with a trained professional before getting started.

It's also great to do at home using free weights - see how to do the perfect dumbbell shoulder press or a seated dumbbell curl.

Image: senior guy doing some weights, Shutterstock
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE