Being a Physical Therapist is a very physical/active job; therefore, it is important to keep up one’s own strength. You never know when a client may need a heavy lift or protection from falling. Being strong for a therapist is essential.
I came down with a summer cold and missed over a week of working out. Even though I know the research and educate others on how quickly you can lose strength, it always amazes me when it happens to me personally. Going back to the gym was frustrating! I could not do my normal routine, my weights were decreased by 25% and I struggled to finish my full routine. Even though I was able to get back to my “regular” routine in a week, it was a good reminder that we need to be consistent in our efforts to STAY STRONG. WOW!
The biggest difference between someone in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s or 60’s losing strength vs. a TANDEM STRENGTH & BALANCE client is that younger folks can recover more quickly and their function/mobility does not decline when they lose strength. Research states that strength loss begins within 3-5 days of stopping exercise. Unfortunately, many older adults are struggling with leg strength and are often at a critical level. So, when they lose any leg strength, their risk of falling, mobility and function, change quickly.