Members at local gyms these days may hear from their trainer that resistance training reverses the aging process.  They might then run home, drop everything and frantically attempt to disprove what they consider a total sham.  But there is some scientific study that suggests there is proof to the theory that continuous resistance training can change specific body functions that contribute to the general aging process.

Some of this evidence has to do with what scientists call “gene expressions”.  Basically, a gene has certain properties that can change over time according to conditions in the body.  These can be used to do some basic tests on the body’s behavior at the genetic level.

Sarcopenia is a scientific term for the loss of muscle and other atrophy in the natural aging process.  When scientists look deeply into what constitutes “aging”, this seems to be a prominent characteristic of the body function changing with age.  Experts call sarcopenia a “multifactorial” process, which means that there is more than one reason for it to occur.  Some scientists believe they know the main causes of sarcopenia, and have isolated genetic properties that seem to be responsible.

In testing sample groups at different ages, some studies have found that resistance training over a period of many weeks causes changes in some of these “gene expressions”, and, by a pretty credible logic, this means that resistance training can do a lot for those who are suffering from the natural effects of age on the body.  Participants in a study done several years ago got these kinds of “genetic results” with activities like chest presses, leg presses, and all of those common activities on the local gym menu.

For skeptics, whether or not resistance training “reverses aging” can be broken down into a more straightforward argument that goes this way: look at a person who is 55 and totally inactive, just sitting around all day.  What age does this person “seem”?  Now look at a person who is the same age and runs around every day participating in strenuous physical tasks.  What age would you associate with this person?

No matter which of these examples we use, it seems evident that one of the selling points of resistance training is its positive effect on muscle groups.  So, next time the trainer tells you that resistance training can turn back the clock on aging, don’t laugh it off: in fact, it’s in your best interest to conduct your own study and find out for yourself how this kind of workout invigorates the body, aiding in bone and muscle strength, circulation and disease prevention.  In many cases, resistance training really is “medicine for what ails you”.  Remember to start out slow, though, and build on successfully completed activities, and consult your physician for a good starting point into training for longevity.

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