Maintaining strong, healthy muscles as you age is essential for leading an active, independent life.<\/p>\n
Real talk: There\u2019s one thing you simply can\u2019t live independently without in life\u2014especially as you age. What might that be? Muscle mass<\/a>. After all, strong muscles are essential for performing daily tasks and the active hobbies you love most with ease.<\/p>\n You naturally lose lean muscle as you age, so it\u2019s important to build and maintain it. To help you get on the right track, we spoke with Denise Chakoian<\/a>, Rhode Island Certified Fitness Trainer and Owner of Core Cycle and Fitness LaGree, who has 16+ years of experience under her belt training individuals of every age and level of fitness. Chakoian shares five morning exercises<\/a> women over 60 need to keep muscle from disappearing.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e<\/p>\n \u201cI chose these exercises because they work several of the major muscle groups that tend to lose strength with age,\u201d Chakoian tells us. \u201cTogether, these five movements provide a simple full-body routine that can be done at home without special equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n So whether you start doing them on your own or with your besties, let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n \tChair Squats<\/p>\n \u201cChair squats strengthen the legs and hips, which are important for getting up, walking, and staying independent,\u201d Chakoian shares.<\/p>\n Stand tall in front of a sturdy chair with your feet hip-width apart, toes pointing forward.
\nActivate your core and keep your chest lifted.
\nReach your arms forward.
\nBend at the knees and hips and lower slowly into a squat\u2014as if you\u2019re about to sit down. Make sure your weight stays in your heels.
\nHover just about the chair\u2019s seat, holding for 5 to 10 seconds.
\nPress through your heels to rise back up.<\/p>\n