At my age, is weight training advisable?
? At 67, I’m losing strength fast. I can’t handle nearly the amount of weight I could even 10 years ago, and after I passed 65 I seemed to be getting weaker faster. At my age, should I use light weight and high reps, or heavy weight and low reps? Should I do multiple sets or just one set to failure? Or, should I stop weight training and go with push-ups, deep knee bends and sit-ups?
Noel Granzow, Phoenix, AZ
Don’t worry; age is no reason to stop weight training. Since you’re concerned about strength loss, I recommend three sets of about six repetitions. You will need to build up to this, so start with higher reps and gradually increase the weight and sets while decreasing the reps. This phase strengthens your connective tissue and prepares you for greater weight later. Keep in mind that with body weight exercises like push-ups, you are limited in how strong you can become since your body weight is limited.
Stephen Holt, CSCS, PES, Lutherville, MD
As you increase weight and decrease reps, you will also need to increase your rest interval between sets. Over time, you will reach a plateau. When this occurs, take a week or two of active rest, then get back to the regimen.
Douglas B. Lentz, CS, Chambersburg, PA
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