SeniorFlow Moment – Leg Energy and Strength

I use the term “Energy” to describe the attributes that go along with leg function. “Leg Energy” would be the energy that provides the strength, mobility, agility and reflex patterns that you need to be able to carry out your regular functions as you age. Leg strength is one of the first physical attributes you lose as you age. Since you don’t usually use your legs as much as you age, you are faced with muscle loss, bone density problems, lack of joint mobility and range of motion, resulting in the lack of agility and strength you sorely need to stay on your feet, stay balanced, and move around on your own.

I also used the term “reflex patterns”. By this I mean the lack of neurological response in the legs to various stimuli. Sometimes we will notice this when we get out of bed in the morning as we have a slight feeling of vertigo and a tendency to lose our balance. Sometimes we’ll put weight on one leg and it may take a moment or two to respond properly. One has to be careful.

Can you maintain or re-gain leg strength? Yes, said Tufts University researchers in Boston. Years ago, they did a study demonstrating the ability to regain both strength and muscle mass (size) in Seniors ranging in age from their sixties into their nineties. The participants were able to significantly regain both size and strength after doing a series of leg strength exercises over a period of time to regain the functionality of their legs. I had a copy of the report but lost it in my recent move. The studies have been cited many places, many times over the years since the study was conducted and is well known in the fitness and medical communities alike. Squats (full or partial), stair climbing, and even walking, work well to maintain or build leg strength and functionality.

Along with strength, bone density may also be regained by putting physical and neurological stress on the legs (or any bone mass). Using weight bearing exercises, it’s possible to rebuild bone mass as well as strength and reduce the possibility of bone mass deterioration and degradation. Sometimes with major bone density loss through aging, the body’s weight, by itself has been known to cause the bones to shatter or break.

I can’t stress the importance of leg strength as a key to aging well. If you take care of your legs, they will take care of you. If you don’t take care of them, they are likely to let you down when you need them the most. There is a major lesson in this article if you are approaching your sixties or more. I urge you to heed it well.

Thank you for reading this SeniorFlow Moment.