Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 14 hrs ago
Cardiologist highlights three muscle groups to strengthen after 50
Cardiologist Dan Augustine says people over 50 should focus on strengthening their chest, calves and glutes.
Muscle mass and strength tend to decline with age, making it harder to stay active.
Strength training can help muscles use glucose and support blood vessel function, while also complementing aerobic exercise.
The calves help push blood from the legs back toward the heart when they contract during walking or ankle movements.
The chest and glutes also support everyday movement, and stronger muscles can make regular activity easier.
A study following nearly 147,000 adults found that combining strength training with aerobic activity was associated with up to a 45% lower risk of death from any cause.
Augustine cautions that strengthening one muscle group alone does not directly protect the heart; the aim is to maintain muscle throughout the body.
He suggests starting chest exercises at a level suited to the individual, such as wall push-ups, and adding resistance bands as strength improves.
Cardiologist Dan Augustine says adults over 50 should strengthen their pectorals, calves and glutes to support cardiovascular health.
Strength training can complement aerobic exercise and contribute to glucose control, blood-vessel function and staying active.
Augustine says building one muscle group alone does not directly improve heart health; the broader aim is to maintain skeletal muscle.
A study following nearly 147,000 adults found that combining strength training with aerobic activity was associated with up to a 45% lower risk of death from any cause.
- Who
- Cardiologist Dan Augustine, medical director of Sports Cardiology UK, identified the muscle groups.
- What
- He recommends strengthening the pectorals, calves and glutes after 50 to support cardiovascular health.
- When
- For adults after age 50.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Maintaining muscle can support glucose metabolism, blood-vessel function, circulation and mobility.
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- Cardiologist
- Dan Augustine
- Muscle groups
- Pectorals, calves and glutes
- Study participants
- Nearly 147,000 adults
- Study period
- Up to 30 years
- Associated mortality risk reduction
- Up to 45% with strength training combined with aerobic activity
Sources
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