One would rarely think that as you get older it is much more important to do some muscle building than when you are younger. Balance, muscles, and even the pads under your feet can disintegrate and disappear if nothing is done to improve them. Often people find this out the hard way, since few will discuss how to avoid the problems of old age. A good healthy lifestyle, diet, exercise and joint protection is part of surviving with a good quality of life.

These things are known from my age and the circumstances that led me to a gym to improve my overall health. After sitting around for years writing and not paying attention to the excess weight I was packing on, I was shocked to be told that a blood test showed fatty liver. As a former medical student, this hit me hard because it is a precursor to cancer.

Taking a good look at myself, it was obvious that the extra weight I was carrying unnecessarily was robbing me of energy and other things. One of the worst things was my tendency to bump into whatever was in front of me. Once on the ground it was impossible for me to get back up and jumping on my butt until I reached something to help me was not pleasant.

One day I fell face down in the garden and couldn’t get up with my arms to get up again. After several minutes I had no choice but to push those stubborn muscles with all my might to get out of the situation. The arms took about a week to recover.

These kinds of things are unnecessary as a change in my lifestyle would soon prove. First, no sugar or salt was my response to the health situation. Fruit contains sugar and even that was off the menu. However, it has been reintroduced as a breakfast smoothie that replaced oatmeal and other stuff. Yogurt with extra protein and at least four pieces of fruit plus a stick of celery is now my go-to breakfast.

Joining a gym has been one of the best solutions to my problems. The PT trainers put me through exercises that have taken care of my balance so I don’t trip now. If and when I am on the floor, as part of gym exercises, it is easy to get up again and in about 8 months my weight has dropped by up to 8 kilograms.

While there is still a long way to go as the weight is still too high, at least now the muscles are rebuilding in my arms and legs. Cycling in the gym is one of the best exercises and dedicating half an hour a day and going up to 6 kilometers is beneficial.

There is another great bonus received for attending the gym. During the time to go, there are now many friends to hug and talk. Some hang out after PT sessions and we chat about things in general. This is what older people miss, especially if they live alone. All things considered bodybuilding for seniors is a definite must.