Bodybuilding Workout Ideas for Older Lifters
For many older folks, the idea of regularly working out through weight lifting and other bodybuilding exercises may seem like a stretch, but can actually be accomplished, even if you’re feeling like you’re too old to do such exercises. The reality is that the human body can benefit at any age from weight training and body building, as it keeps the muscles from breaking down due to age as well as keeps certain bodily functions as sharp and vital as they were in your younger years.
These workouts don’t have to be high impact, and can actually be used as a great way to manage certain health conditions that can develop over time due to age. Many doctors prescribe regular exercise for those suffering from arthritis, particularly of the rheumatoid variety. Additionally, those who suffer from muscle pain or other muscular disorders that develop due to age can benefit from body building exercises.
The most popular workout for older lifters looking to add some muscle mass and definition is the use of smaller dumbbells and other small weights for the arms. Many older adults notice their arm strength declines over time, and working out with a set of light hand weights and gradually doing a set number of reps daily for a couple weeks, then moving up in weight every couple weeks can help add some muscle to the arms.
For those looking for a more complete bodybuilding exercise, using a weight bench for a complete upper body workout a couple times a week can do wonders. Focusing on lifting quantity over quality works well in this case as doing more reps with a lower weight can do more for the older body than straining with a high amount of weight at fewer reps.
Working on the lower body can also be a great bodybuilding exercise for the older adult, as it can increase mobility. Using a leg extension on a weight bench or a leg machine can help to add muscle over time. For the legs, the workout can focus on lifting more weight than doing more repetitions, as there is a need for lower body muscle mass in older age.
Core workouts can help build abdominal muscles in older adults, helping to control certain gastrointestinal disorders as well as maintain a healthy weight. In this case, the best exercise can actually be working out with a medicine ball and doing some low impact cardio exercises with the ball in hand. The extra resistance can help strengthen muscles in the core of the body.
These different exercise ideas can be taken on their own or combined in a regimen for the average older adult to provide a total body regimen that focuses on building muscle and providing the great health benefits that come along with regular exercise. Bodybuilding exercises can provide the older person with a feeling of vitality while also allowing them to take pride in their bodies, even at an older age.