"A normal rate for muscle loss with aging has not been established. A 1998 article in the "Journal of Nutrition" reported on a cross section of research that showed the overall loss to be 35 to 40 percent between the ages of 20 and 80. Some research reports changes as early as your 20s, but most agree the most significant changes take place after age 50. Both genders lose the same percentage with aging but women lose less mass overall." (From an article found online)
Ladies and Gentlemen, I rest my case on the subject regarding the necessity of weight lifting. We all know how Cerutty felt about strength work. In his mind, it was vital and necessary. Cerutty was greatly influenced by the works of George Hackenschmidt, a man he met personally later in his life. Hackenschmidt,besides being an author, was also a heavyweight wrestling champion and reportedly was the 'strongest man in the world.'
Hackenschmidt lamented man's separation from nature and his increasing urbanization. Keep in mind folks that he wrote this a little after the turn of the 20th century. Here's what he recommended we do as a remedy for our increasing softness and urbanization:
"Since he has separated from the natural physical advantages, which were freely offered to him in bygone centuries, he should surely avail himself of the efficient substitutes which are offered to him by trained and practiced physical culturists."
"For it is only by exercising with heavy weights that any man can hope to develop real strength. The knowledge of one's strength entails a real mastery over oneself, it breeds energy and courage, helps one over the most difficult tasks of life, and procures contentment and true enjoyment of living."
And you thought you were only building muscle.As an aside, I gave myself over to strength training for six months and can say that what Hackenschmidt and Cerutty taught about weight training is true. If you call yourself a Stotan, you lift weights.
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