{"id":11891,"date":"2023-05-12T13:13:19","date_gmt":"2023-05-12T13:13:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/?p=11891"},"modified":"2023-05-15T15:56:50","modified_gmt":"2023-05-15T15:56:50","slug":"the-importance-of-resistance-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/personal-wellbeing\/the-importance-of-resistance-training\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Resistance Training"},"content":{"rendered":"

Age-related muscle loss occurs much earlier in life than you might suspect. We begin losing muscle as early as the age of 30; individuals who do not engage in regular physical activity may lose muscle mass at a rate of 3% to 8% per decade from 30\u00a0years onwards, though that decline becomes more rapid after the age of 60.1<\/sup> However, even individuals who do exercise are at risk for muscle loss if they do not engage in strength training.<\/p>\n

Benefits of Intentional Movement<\/div>
The \u201cMovement Is Medicine<\/a>\u201d series will focus on common areas of discomfort for veterinary nurses in the workplace. Although this series will primarily discuss how intentional movement can protect your body on the job, it\u2019s important to note that physical activity can also boost mood, elevate confidence, improve focus, increase energy, reduce stress, and improve quality of life.2<\/sup><\/p>\n

Adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity plus 2 days of strength training each week.3<\/sup> This might feel like an inconvenience but think of it as an exercise prescription. You would want your clients to comply with prescribed recommendations, so aim to hold yourself accountable for 30- to 45-minute sessions 5\u00a0times each week.<\/p>\n

The key to adding fitness to your routine is to discover a modality of movement that you enjoy. In addition to these straightforward movements outlined in this series, try hula hooping, tai chi, fencing, bowling, rowing, dancing, or swimming. Find something that you truly look forward to. <\/div><\/div>\n

The average age of veterinary nurses who responded to the NAVTA 2022 Demographic Survey was 38.9 years, which means the majority of veterinary nurses are within the age group where muscle loss is a concern.4<\/sup> Regardless of age, regular resistance training can aid in maintaining and building muscle to prevent injuries on the job, among other benefits. However, it is vitally important for veterinary nurses over the age of 30.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Resistance Training?<\/h2>\n

Resistance training is any type of body movement that causes the muscles to work under an applied force. The force may be in the form of weights, resistance bands, or one\u2019s own body weight. Each time the muscle fibers are recruited in response to the resistance, then given adequate time to recover, the muscle strength increases. In addition to 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week, it is recommended that adults engage in at least 2\u00a0days of muscle-strengthening activity per week.5<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n