Loss of strength refers to a reduction in one's ability to exert force with their muscles. This can happen for various reasons, including lack of physical activity, chronic illness, injury, and natural aging processes. As we get older, changes occur causing declines in muscle mass, muscle fiber size, hormone levels, and other factors related to strength.
Some common causes of loss of strength are:
- Sedentary lifestyle - Without regular physical activity, muscles weaken and lose conditioning over time. Doing resistance training helps maintain strength.
- Poor nutrition - Consuming adequate protein and calories helps rebuild and fuel muscles. Deficiencies in certain nutrients can lead to reductions in muscle mass.
- Injuries - Damage to tendons, ligaments or muscles from an injury can limit strength capacity until fully healed. This also leads to loss of muscle mass.
- Medical conditions - Issues like arthritis, heart disease or hormone deficiencies can restrict activity levels, promote inflammation, and affect muscle function - all contributing to loss of strength.
The impacts of reduced strength depend on one's needs and physical abilities. Generally, daily tasks become more challenging, risk of
injury rises, and overall vitality declines.
So what can you do? The good news is that strength loss is often reversible through targeted lifestyle measures like:
- Resistance training - Lifting weights stimulates muscle growth and development of "lean muscle mass." This direct stimulus is key.
- Adequate protein intake - Consuming foods high in protein (meats, dairy, eggs, beans etc.) provides amino acids to build and maintain muscle.
- Hormone optimization - Boosting critical hormones like testosterone and growth hormone through lifestyle changes, medications or supplements from clinics like Vitality Renewal Clinic can help regain vigor and strength.
- Physical therapy - Specialized programs that activate and challenge muscles in a graded progression can help restore strength after injury or due to illness.
While some degree of strength loss is expected with aging, implementing proactive solutions can dramatically slow declines and improve function, independence and vitality. Reach out to your doctor or clinic if you need help regaining lost strength.