Why have those funky days of aerobics and Jane Fonda workouts gone? Why have those classes disappeared! They were fun!!!
Whilst the leg warmers fashion faux pas are likely to resurrect in trendy gyms, it is unlikely that the intense high impact of the aerobic style workouts of the 80’s will make a comeback.
Dr Jordan Metzl, who specialises in sports medicine and surgery in New York, says that the legacy of the aerobics craze is; “damaged backs, knees, hips, and shoulders”. Jane Fonda herself has had her hip and knee replaced and suffers from osteoarthritis as a direct result of her high impact exercising. She now sensibly promotes functional fitness.
Aerobic exercising is effective in shifting weight; however, it needs to be combined with resistance training, as aerobic exercise alone provides little benefit to the musculoskeletal systems of the body. The need for continuing to maintain muscle mass is vital for physical wellbeing particularly after 30.
Sarcopenia is a term used for loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength as a result of ageing. Depending on our level of inactivity, we will lose between 3% – 5% of muscle mass each decade after 30. After 75, according to Penney Gilbert’s study; (Assistant Professor at the Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering, Canada) “You lose fifteen percent of muscle mass every single year.”
When first published in February 2014, Penney’s study caused significant concern, however the study showed that up to the age of 75, loss of muscle mass is reversible. The most effective method to guard against muscle loss is through consistent resistance training.
Our Shape Up circuit classes are designed to combine the necessary aerobic (cardio) and resistance exercises to help you effectively stay strong, fit and healthy.
I leave now with words from the queen of fitness – Jane Fonda!
The most important thing to do as you age is to stay physically active.
Lots of people just throw in the towel if they can’t do what they used to do…….
It’s never too late – never too late to start over,
never too late to be [fit and strong] happy.
Be fit, be happy!
Anna
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