Slow Muscle Ageing
30 December 2023

Slow Muscle Ageing while Being in the Gym – 10 Exercises

Alright folks, let's kick off this conversation by tackling the hot topic of ageing. Now, growing older can be a real pain in the posterior – especially when you start experiencing all these pesky changes in your body. Research has shown that as we age, our physical fitness takes a nosedive, leaving us with a sad decline in agility, strength, flexibility, and endurance. Oh, the joys of getting older! But no worries, because there's a glimmer of hope amidst this bleak outlook. You see, muscle mass tends to do a disappearing act every 10 years after we hit the milestone of 30. And guess what? It decides to speed things up and make a grand escape once we reach 60. Fun times, right? But stay with me, because we've got your back and we're ready to lend a helping hand to combat this natural decline.

So, grab those trusty sneakers and get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime. We've assembled nothing short of a badass arsenal of exercises that will defy the odds and put a halt to muscle ageing. Oh yeah, we've got your back! With our clever resistance training exercises in tow, you'll have a rock-solid fitness plan that not only helps you pack on some serious muscle but also does wonders for your joints, bones, and overall cardiovascular fitness. It's like killing three birds with one dumbbell! Now, I won't keep you in suspense any longer. Let's delve into the golden nuggets of wisdom that will slow down this muscle ageing business. These exercises aren't just effective; they're also easy peasy to learn and perform. So, prepare to be amazed as we unveil the secrets of defying Father Time. Stay tuned, my friends, and let the wisdom flow…

Dumbbell Squats

Dumbbell Squats

The first exercise on our glorious list is none other than the magnificent dumbbell squat.

Now, imagine yourself wielding two badass dumbbells in each hand like you're ready to take on the world. Stand tall and proud, with your feet positioned slightly wider than your average shoulder span. Trust me! You want to give your muscles enough room to wiggle. Alright, let's get to the nitty-gritty. Picture your chest puffed out like a peacock and your core tightened like a vice grip. Now, channel your inner Zen master and gracefully tilt those hips backwards, descending into a magnificent squat. Go as low as you can until those marvelous dumbbells hover just below your shins. Now, it's time for the grand finale! Push through your heels like you're springing up from a trampoline and rise back up to the epitome of standing. But wait, there's more! Squeeze those glutes and quads like there's no tomorrow to add that extra oomph to your motion. Your muscles will thank you later. Repeat this sensational routine three to four times, my friends. Each set with ten astonishing repetitions. Now, let's conquer muscle ageing, one fabulous dumbbell squat at a time!

Dumbbell Reverse Lunges

OK, picture this all of you fitness enthusiasts! We begin with you standing tall, feeling like the almighty Hercules, except you've got a dumbbell in each hand, ready to conquer the reverse lunges. Take a massive stride back, my friend, as if you're boldly stepping away from your problems (or that annoying coworker). Now, plant that heel of yours firmly on the ground, signaling to the universe that you mean business. Here comes the fun part! Lower yourself into a lunge position until your back knee practically kisses the floor. Feel that burn in your quads? Embrace it like a badge of honour. You're halfway there! Now, muster all the strength in your being and push yourself back up through your front leg, rising like a phoenix from the ashes. But we're not done yet! You've got another leg to conquer. Switch sides, like a savvy secret agent, and repeat the process with the opposite leg. It's all about that beautiful symmetry, you know? Embrace your inner dancer and perform these reverse lunges with panache.Now, let's talk numbers, because we love numbers, don't we? I challenge you to perform not one, not two, but three to four sets of 10 reps for each glorious leg. Feel the rhythm, feel the burn, and show those legs who's boss! So there you have it, my fitness-loving pals! Dumbbell reverse lunges that will make you feel as mighty as Thor himself. Go forth, embrace the challenge, and let's see those legs rise to new heights of lunge-dom!

Hand-Release Pushups

Hand-Release Pushups

Next, it's time to get down and dirty with some pushups! First things first, assume the position - start on all fours, like a graceful beast ready to pounce. Make sure your shoulders are lined up with your wrists, none of that wonky misalignment nonsense. And no slouching! Keep that back nice and straight. Now, engage that core of yours, tighten it up like a miser holding onto his gold. Squeeze those glutes, too - give them a good old-fashioned butt clench. It's as delightful as it sounds. With impeccable control, lower yourself down like a teardrop falling from the heavens until your whole body is kissing the floor. Well done, you're as graceful as a swan diving into a lake. But hold up! Don't get too cozy down there. Once you've reached rock bottom, lift your hands off the earth, let them hover like majestic UFOs for a moment. Then, with a swift motion, plop those hands back down and powerfully push yourself back up to your starting position. Like a phoenix rising from its ashes, you shall conquer that gravity and soar. Oh, but we can't forget the finishing touch! Flex those triceps and puff out that chest like a peacock flaunting its feathers. Show off that hard work in style. Now that you've strutted your stuff, it's time to tackle another rep. Keep going until you've completed 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps. You've got this! So, let's go forth and push. Remember, shoulders in line, back straight, core tight, glutes squeezed, and triceps flexed with flair. With each rep, you'll be forging strength and sculpting that body into a work of art. Now, go forth and conquer those pushups like the mighty champion you are!

Hammer Curls

It's time to unleash the beast and grab those dumbbells one more time, but this time we're going to hit it with some hammer curls. Get ready to make those biceps and forearms sing! Now, here's the drill: hold those dumbbells with your hands facing each other, rocking that neutral grip like a boss. But wait, don't slouch! Pull those shoulders back like you're saying, "Hey world, check out my sculpted muscles!" As you curl those weights up, feel the burn in your biceps and forearms. Show them no mercy! Give them a good flex at the top of that hammer curl. Oh yeah, feel the power! And just when you thought you couldn't handle any more, resist as you slowly lower those weights. It's like saying, "Take that, gravity!" Now, let's talk numbers. We're going for three to four sets of pure madness. Get ready to pump out those reps like a weightlifting superstar. Aim for a glorious 10 to 12 reps in each set, and watch those muscles grow like they're on steroids (but, you know, legally). So, grab those dumbbells, get in position, and let's hammer away at those curls like champions. You've got this. Now go forth and conquer!

Chest-Supported Dumbbell Rows

Prepare to elevate your gains game! Are you ready to amp up that workout bench, giving it a snazzy incline of a minimum 30 to 45 degrees. Now, grab yourself a pair of dumbbells and get ready to work that body like a boss! Position yourself all pro-like, with your trusty chest pressed against the comfortable pad. Now, you've got some options here – either keep those legs straight and locked tight, or if you're feeling fancy, rest your knees on the seat of the bench. It's your call, maestro! Alright, it's show-time! Flex those guns and get those weights up, pulling them in like a pro with your killer elbows. Feel that burn, folks, 'cause that's the sweet sensation of progress! And don't forget, at the glorious pinnacle of that movement, give those lads a good old squeeze. Show them who's the boss! But we're not done just yet. Oh no, we want to give those muscles a proper stretch, so gracefully lower those weights to experience the exquisite full range of motion. Ah, doesn't that feel splendid. Now, let's keep the party going! We're talking three to four sets of pure awesomeness, aiming for that holy grail of 10 to 12 reps. Remember, quality over quantity, folks – we want each rep to be a work of muscle-building art. So, there you have it! Get out there, adjust that incline, grab those dumbbells, and take these sweet instructions for a spin. I guarantee you'll be strutting around feeling like the superstar of the gym in no time!

Dumbbell Bench Press

Incline Dumbbell Bench Press

Get ready to pump up those pecs and show off your impressive gains with the incline dumbbell bench press. Picture yourself lying back on a comfy incline bench, dumbbells clutched tightly in each hand, as you prepare to take on this challenge. As you begin, channel your inner beast and push those weights straight up above your body, fully extending your arms like a mighty warrior raising his weapons in victory. But hey, don't forget about your posture! Pull those shoulders back and down into the bench, claiming your territory and showing those dumbbells who's boss. Now, here comes the exciting part. Lower those dumbbells towards your torso, feeling that burn as your upper pecs and triceps get a solid stretch. Embrace the struggle, for it's in these moments of hardship that true strength is forged. And remember to savour that bottom-of-the-motion stretch before springing back up like a coiled spring, conquering each rep with relentless determination. At the top, don't just settle for average. Squeeze those upper pecs and triceps with all of your might, showing off your stunning upper body prowess. Make everyone around you wonder if you were carved by the gods themselves. To fully maximise your gains, aim for three to four sets of 10 reps. Yes, this is where perseverance pays off. Push through the burn and keep that motivation blazing like a wildfire within you. The results will be worth every single drop of sweat.

Lateral Lunges

Alrighty, folks! Prepare to channel your inner maverick as we delve into the captivating world of muscle preservation exercises. Today's feature: the sassy lateral lunge! Step out to the side like you mean business, firmly planting that boot of yours on the ground. Feel the burn as you gracefully descend into a lateral lunge, maintaining control like a boss. And hey, don't forget to straighten that trailing leg while you're at it. It's all about the finesse! Now, brace yourselves for the satisfaction of a solid inner thigh stretch at the bottom of this epic motion. Feel the burn! But fear not, for you shall rise from the depths like a phoenix. Propel that heel of yours back to the starting position, ensuring a triumphant return before embarking on another sensational repetition. Rinse and repeat! Oh, but we're not done yet! We’re going to push ourselves to reach greatness, so let's aim for three sets of 10 magnificent reps with each leg. Feel the power, feel the burn, and let those muscles know who's in charge! So, hunker down, embrace the challenge, and get ready to conquer the world one lateral lunge at a time. Let's go!

Split Squats

Split Squats

Squats are the true muscle whisperers! They hold the key to building a mighty lower body, unleashing power and strength like a well-oiled machine. But wait, there's more! Enter split squats, the ultimate joint-friendly alternative that also rocks your balance and stability, standing tall as you gracefully age like a fine wine. To master these split squats, envision yourself as a magnificent statue, taking a fearless stance with one foot planted like a three-foot conqueror ahead of the other. Picture your noble knees gracefully bending, forming two perfect 90-degree angles at the bottom, a sight worthy of admiration. Now, release yourself downwards, dropping straight as an arrow, and ignite your progress with an explosive drive from your front foot's heel, like a spring-loaded champ ready for action. But hold up! One crucial commandment: thou shalt not allow thy front knee to roam beyond the boundaries of your majestic toes. Keep it in check for the sake of your joints and the harmony of the universe.

Single-Arm Cable Rows

If you're looking to transform your upper back and arms into sculpted works of art, then get ready to embrace the almighty row exercise! Not only will this bad boy give you a posture so on point that you could balance a glass of champagne on your head, but it will also bless you with shoulders that scream, "Yes, I can carry all those shopping bags without breaking a sweat!" First things first, set that cable handle to chest height like a pro. Grab onto it with a grip so fierce that even the gym bros will be impressed. Take a step back, and behold, you're now facing the magnificent cable machine. Ready, set, row! Start the movement by gracefully pulling your shoulder blades towards your midline, like a majestic swan preparing for takeoff. And remember, no twisting that torso! We want a back so firm and toned that it could rival The Rock's biceps. After a solid row on one side, don't forget to switch it up. Show that cable machine who's boss and unleash your rowing power on the other side. Let's row our way to greatness. Embrace the challenge, feel the burn, and watch as that strength you cultivate in your upper back and arms spreads like wildfire throughout your entire body. Get rowing and let those gains shine!

Hip/Thigh Extensions

Alright, people, we've reached the grand finale of exercises for slowing down muscle ageing! And this one is a piece of cake. We're talking about the incredible hip/thigh extension, guaranteed to give your hamstrings and glutes a well-deserved boost. Why is this important, you ask? Well, let me tell you, hip strength is like the holy grail of athleticism. The stronger those hips are, the stronger your entire body becomes. It's science. But that's not all! Strong hips also mean happier knees and a blissful lower back. Who doesn't want that? So, here's the drill: get cosy on your back, and bend one knee to create a perfect 90-degree angle. Meanwhile, stretch that other leg out as straight as can be. Now comes the fun part. Squeeze that glute of yours, push through that heel, and watch those hips of yours skyrocket with each rise. Remember to keep those hips in check, folks. No wobbling allowed! Oh, and don't forget about that straight leg of yours. Keep it extended throughout the exercise, as if it's your partner in crime. Together, you two will conquer the world, or at least sculpt some seriously toned muscles. So, get ready to unleash the power of your hips, whip those glutes into shape, and strut with the confidence of a superstar.

Hip/Thigh Extensions

My Final Thoughts

Are you one of those folks who dread exercising? We totally get it. Whether you prefer sprinting like a cheetah, gliding through serene waters, pedaling like a maniac, getting bendy with yoga, or pumping iron like a beast, finding the oomph to work out is no easy feat. Sometimes, the most arduous part of the whole ordeal is simply mustering up the effort to begin! Even after rummaging through Mount Laundry for that perfect workout outfit and locating your trusty pair of sneaks, a little extra push might still be needed to conquer the gym or conquer the trails. Believe it or not, once you establish a workout routine, it miraculously becomes smoother sailing. And hey, having a gym buddy is like the cherry on top of a surprising sundae of motivation! Drop a line to your exercise comrade-in-arms using one of these amusing sayings as a delightful reminder of your upcoming gym adventure. And let's not underestimate the sheer force of a killer playlist. Flip the switch on those high-energy tunes, and you'll be grooving and moving in no time. But wait, are you still searching for that extra push to grab onto the fitness train? Treat yourself! Indulge in a thoughtful fitness gift just for you. There's nothing quite like a shiny new pair of shoes or snazzy leggings to ignite that fiery enthusiasm for fitness. So, go forth and conquer those workouts with style, wit, and a splash of self-indulgence! You've got this.

“Exercise is king. Nutrition is queen. Put them together and you've got a kingdom.” - Lauren Gleisberg