Follow ‘Your’ Path of Skeletal Muscle Mass

If I'm working out and training consistently, I have this feeling that when I step on the InBody, I should see consistent progress in buiIding skeletal muscle mass (SMM).

It’s human nature, right?

I mean, why would we be doing this if we aren’t seeing progress?

Well, let me give you the cold, hard truth …

When we're younger, it's quite easy to build muscle and be strong, and see great GAINZ seemingly every time you hit the gym.

As we age, however, and we reach our 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s+, it becomes harder and harder.

Impossible?

Of course not! But without a doubt it is more difficult.

Now let's soften it a bit. While we all become more "mature" adults, we don't HAVE to see a continual increase in SMM, but we should remain aware of its status.

"I don't want to jump on the InBody! And why does it matter that I even track it, if I may not improve much in this area?"

Fair question.

It’s because it’s extremely important to understand the trend. Your trend.

That's right, you need to follow the path of your skeletal muscle mass.

Over the course of time (months and years), if you're holding onto the muscle you already have (or even going up), you're on the right path.

If your SMM is steadily decreasing, it's time to evaluate why and make changes (possibly in diet and/or training) that can help right the ship.

At 47 years old, my short-term goal is to work my butt off to increase my skeletal muscle as long as I'm able, understanding that my medium-term goal is to maintain that muscle mass as long as possible. Which, hopefully, will achieve my end goal of slowing the eventual decline of SMM.

Because, I want to stay strong and be able to do what I want, when I want.

Hope this perspective helps. Remember …

GIVE YOUR BODY WHAT IT NEEDS, WHEN IT NEEDS IT!

Jaime Rothermich
RD, CSSD, LD, PPSCxKB, CSCS
Functional Elements Training & Nutrition