Strength and conditioning programming for older athletes is a growing interest area in research and practice. A recent study in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research examined age related deterioration of muscle mass in older males and general strength programming. Participants were tested for 22 weeks assessing their lean tissue mass, muscle thickness, and leg and bench press 1 rep max.
Researchers found that short term and heavy resistance training was best for the older male demographic. They also acknowledged a reduction in age related decline in muscle mass in the these athletes. Researchers also found that short and heavy workouts also increased strength measurements in older male athletes.
