NSCA Releases Older-Adult Resistance Training Position Statement
Overwhelming evidence supports resistance training benefits for healthy aging.
Noting that 1 in 5 Americans will be over 65 by 2030 and that skeletal mass, strength and functional loss represent health risks, the National Strength and Conditioning Association has released its first position stand on older-adult resistance training.
“We demonstrate in this position statement how much resistance training can positively affect physical functioning, mobility, independence, chronic disease management, psychological wellbeing, quality of life and healthy life expectancy,” said co-author Mark Peterson, PhD, FACSM, associate professor at the University of Michigan–Medicine. “We also provide recommendations for how to optimize resistance training programs to ensure safety and effectiveness.”
For analysis of the statement, see “Resistance Training for Older Adults: New NSCA Position Stand.”
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
