Dr. Shilpa Sayana's mother has severe bone loss and fear of falling, while her sister doesn't. At 70, Sayana lifts weights for velocity and calls muscle metabolic insurance. Genetics aren't destiny, she says, but you need a real reason to train.
I carry the genetics that make me at risk for osteoporosis, which is bone loss. My sister doesn't, but my mother has severe osteoporosis. She's afraid to walk too fast, fearful she might fall. That's what bone loss really looks like. Not so much on a DEXA scan, but a loss of confidence. So I lift weights, mainly for velocity at age 70. Muscle is metabolic insurance. Bone is independence. Genetics are not destiny. I don't train because I'm motivated. I do it because I know my why. Know yours.
