In the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, the focus often falls on losing weight and reducing body fat. However, an equally critical but less discussed aspect of health is muscle mass. Low muscle mass can silently undermine your health and well-being, contributing to a host of issues that can severely impact your quality of life.

 

The Dangers of Low Muscle Mass

Muscle mass plays a crucial role in your body’s overall function. It’s not just about strength and aesthetics; muscle tissue is vital for maintaining metabolism, supporting bone health, and enhancing mobility. When muscle mass is too low, it can lead to:

• Reduced metabolic rate: Muscle is metabolically active, meaning it burns calories even at rest. Less muscle mass can lead to a slower metabolism, making it harder to manage your weight.
• Increased risk of injuries and fractures: Muscle helps support and protect your bones. A lack of muscle can increase your risk of falls and related fractures, especially as you age.
• Impaired physical function: Low muscle mass can reduce your ability to perform everyday activities, leading to decreased independence and quality of life.
• Chronic health issues: Conditions like sarcopenia (the degenerative loss of muscle mass and strength) can emerge, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

 

How You Can Combat It

At XGYM, we understand the critical role muscle mass plays in your health. That’s why we offer comprehensive solutions to help you build and maintain healthy muscle mass, ensuring you lead a robust and active life.

 

DEXA Scans

One of the first steps in combating low muscle is understanding your body composition. Our state-of-the-art Hologic Horizon DEXA system provides you with a detailed analysis of your body’s composition, which is much more than just a simple measure of body fat. The scan offers precise measurements of bone density, fat distribution, and crucially, lean muscle mass across different regions of your body including arms, legs, and trunk. This level of detail enables us to identify areas where it may be lacking and track changes over time, making it an invaluable tool for customising your fitness and nutrition plan to achieve optimal health and performance.

 

Tailored Coaching

Knowledge alone isn’t enough. Applying that knowledge through effective training is crucial. Our expert coaches at XGYM are equipped to design personalised training programmes that align with your DEXA scan results. Whether you’re new to fitness or an experienced athlete, our coaches can guide you on the path to increased muscle mass and improved overall health.

 

Effective Strategies to Build

Building muscle is a structured process involving strategic exercise and nutrition. Here are some key strategies we implement at XGYM:

• Strength Training: Engage in regular strength training exercises, such as weightlifting, which are fundamental for muscle growth.
• Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight, frequency, or number of repetitions in your strength training routine, which can help to continually challenge your muscles.
• Adequate Protein Intake: Ensure you’re consuming enough protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Our nutritionists can help tailor your diet to your needs.
• Rest and Recovery: Allow adequate recovery time between workouts to let your muscles repair and grow.
• Consistency: Regular workouts combined with the right nutrition are key to building and maintaining muscle mass.

 

Community and Support

Building muscle is a journey best undertaken with support. At XGYM, you’re not just a member; you’re part of a community. Our supportive environment offers motivation and accountability, keeping you on track towards your health goals.

 

Ignoring the risks can have long-term consequences on your health. At XGYM, we are committed to helping you understand these risks and provide you with the tools and support to enhance your muscle mass. Our DEXA scans and personalised coaching are just the beginning of your journey to a stronger, healthier you. Click here to book your appointment today!