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As we age, exercise becomes more important than ever, as it can help slow and even reverse the natural loss of muscle mass, strength, and bone density that occurs. Starting from the age of 30, adults naturally lose 3 to 5% of their muscle mass per decade, with a process called sarcopenia. After 60, this accelerates rapidly.Luckily, there is a way to prevent muscle loss, regardless of your age, and that is through strength training, also referred to as resistance training. You don’t need a gym membership or tonnes of fancy equipment; just using your bodyweight is enough to build muscle.Yet if you’re a complete beginner, or you’re returning to exercise following an extended break, it can be tricky to know where to start. Below, personal trainer Dave Durell shares his top tips. Durell has been in the field for over 40 years, and specializes in strength training after 50.As a reminder, if you’re currently working with an injury, this workout might not be the right workout for you. Always check with a qualified professional before trying something new.Dave Durell has been improving the quality of people's lives through strength training for over 40 years as a personal trainer and studio owner, licensed physical therapist assistant, and former collegiate and NFL strength coach. He operates the popular website StrengthAfter50.com, where he helps people over 50 stay strong, rebuild themselves and live full, active lives.5 bodyweight exercises to prioritize after 50: 1. Squats
