On average, about 40% of the human body is muscle and each of us has about 630-640 of them. There is no voluntary human motion without muscle somehow being involved. Muscle strength is maintained until about the fourth or fifth decade. At that point, a small yearly decline begins. Muscle density decreases and intramuscular fat creeps in. Resistance training with dumbbells, machines, your body weight, elastic resistance, etc. has been shown to be a powerful intervention in significantly decreasing age related muscle loss. Enhanced muscle size can be measured in a lab after a month and a half of resistance training three times per week. On the other hand, it takes just four days of a limb being immobilized to lose muscle! Increasing muscle strength requires that one finds a way to consistently and safely challenge his/her muscles past their abilities by just the right amount. However, there is one big catch. It turns out that some people get reminded of their “old and cold” aches and pains when they attempt to participate in a strength building routine. Some people have issues in their past medical history that they learn or already know should be carefully considered in the design of their exercise program. A physical therapist approaches motion problem solving like a “mechanic”. We include in our work a constant consideration and study of the complex sciences behind human movement. In your journey towards achieving your body-conditioning goals, physical therapists can be valuable consultants in helping you to safely work through “weak links” that limit your participation in fitness and your physical life.
Anna Kotula, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
T 805.798.1408
9-15-05
