If you'd like to keep moving as you get older, maintaining muscle mass is one of the key components of staying fit, says Dr. Brian Clark, executive director of the Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute and Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Harold E.

Clybourne, D. Our muscle mass and strength increase after we're born, peaking around age 30 to 35 , according to the National Institute on Aging.

From there, muscle performance dips steadily but slowly, with a more precipitous decline in our mids, Clark says. Maintaining muscle mass as you age is about more than extending mobility — it also impacts your chances of experiencing age-related disease associated with metabolism.

During vigorous workouts, glucose stored in skeletal muscle can reduce significantly , providing an opportunity for your muscles to absorb more glucose from the bloodstream. Today, it's the chronic diseases of cardiovascular disease and cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

That's been known for decades now," Clark explains. I [liken it to] retirement savings — it's never too early to start saving and being proactive in your health. And, Clark says, it's never too late to start. Since isometric exercises are done in a still static position, they won't help improve speed or athletic performance.

Isometric exercises can be useful, however, in enhancing stabilization — keeping the affected area's position. These exercises can help because muscles often tighten without movement to help stabilize joints and your core.

Isometric exercises may be helpful to someone who has an injury, which could make movement painful. For instance, if you injure the rotator cuff, a health care provider or physical therapist might recommend doing isometric exercises.

For example, they may suggest exercises that involve the group of muscles that helps stabilize the shoulder. This can help maintain shoulder strength during recovery.

Isometric training may also be helpful to someone who has arthritis. Arthritis could be aggravated by using muscles to move a joint through the full range of motion.

As people with arthritis perform isometric exercises and improve their strength, they may progress to other types of strength training. Strength training may help reduce pain and improve physical function. Studies have shown that isometric exercises may also help lower and control your blood pressure.

Physical activity and dynamic resistance training can help lower blood pressure, too. But if you have high blood pressure, exercise at a lower level of intensity. Exercising at a higher level of intensity can cause a dramatic increase in your blood pressure during the activity.

Check with your health care provider before beginning isometric exercises if you have high blood pressure or any heart problems. Avoid holding your breath and straining during any weight training exercise. This may cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure.

Edward R. Laskowski, M. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.

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