The scientific definition of Powerpenia is as follows:

Powerpenia refers to the loss of muscular power, which is different from sarcopenia, the term referring to muscle mass loss. Powerpenia is the decline in the ability to generate force rapidly, which is essential for strength, speed, physical performance and our daily lives.

Power is something that is essential to produce in our lives.

Ways We Use Muscle Power in Our Everyday Lives

Here are just a few of the ways our muscles power our everyday activities:

• Getting up from a chair
• Climbing stairs
• Pushing a shopping cart
• Jumping over a puddle
• Getting out of bed
• Lifting a case of water off the floor

This list doesn’t begin to encompass all the times that we display and use power to have fully functional lives.

In order to ensure that we’re able to produce power as we age, it’s essential that a strength training program is in place.

Powerpenia can severely affect mobility and daily functions, as power is required for tasks that get us through our day.

Warning Signs of Powerpenia

What are the warning signs of Powerpenia?  Let’s go through a handful below:

Slower Movements: Difficulty performing explosive movements, such as jumping, sprinting, or lifting quickly. 

Increased Risk of Falls: Since power is necessary for balance and quick movements, Powerpenia can lead to an increased risk of falls and injuries in older adults.

Fatigue: Muscle fatigue may occur more quickly during physical activities, even at lower intensity levels, due to the lack of muscle power.  Want to play ball with your grandkids? Well you may find that more difficult with time.

Reduced Physical Performance: Decreased performance in everyday activities like climbing stairs, getting up from a seated position, or carrying groceries.  We haven’t even touched on the effort that you’d have to put into just doing a Costco run.

Beat Powerpenia with Strength Training

 We all experience Powerpenia at different times of our lives and to different degrees.  The way to manage it though is the same across the board, adopting a resistance training program that fits your unique needs.

By: Erica Villanueva