Fitness for graceful aging

By Evan Ferwerda, Owner; Alloy Personal Training

The inevitable loss of muscle mass as we age, also known as sarcopenia, means you will lose muscle at the rate of three to five percent per decade starting as early as your 30s. Muscle loss is linked to many undesirable outcomes, such as osteoporosis, bone loss, fall risk and energy loss.

But there’s good news for those who plan to age gracefully. You don’t have to accept muscle loss as a natural part of aging. With strength training, you can prevent it, stop it, and even reverse it. And it’s never too late to start.

At Alloy Personal Training, our program is specifically designed to build type 2 muscle fibers, the ones that break down during sarcopenia. Our members are meeting their goals of building muscle through consistency and accountability.

During small-group training sessions two or three times a week, people get to know each other and make connections. It’s an ultra-supportive environment. They feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves.

I also believe the style of functional exercise we offer is the best modality for building muscle. You won’t see people standing around doing rep after rep of bicep curls with dumbbells.

We have specialty equipment (sleds, medicine balls, TRX resistance bands, kettlebells, battle ropes) that’s tailor made for building functional strength. Movements translate to real life, using the big and little muscle groups in concert.

Designed by exercise physiologists, physical therapists, dietitians and behavioral specialists, Alloy Personal Training offers the intensity of one-on-one training, with the accountability and affordability of small classes in a state-of-the-art facility. It’s located within Merchants Square at 123 Ghent Road in Fairlawn. Call 330-964-6954 or visit AlloyPersonalTraining.com for more information.