Stronger bones

Sometimes progress can be measured in pounds lifted, weight lost, or muscle gained. Other times it shows up on a medical report.

When Catherine Saluja walked into her rheumatologist’s office to review the results of her bone density scan, she wasn’t expecting a celebration, but she got pretty close.

“My rheumatologist, who is low key, said she was absolutely thrilled,” recalls Catherine, 74. “My left hip had improved from osteoporosis to osteopenia. I was thrilled, too.”

The news was especially meaningful because osteoporosis had been something she’d been treating with drug immuno-therapy. While she credits her medical treatment as part of the equation, Catherine believes another factor has played an important role: seven years of consistent strength training at MaxStrength Fitness.

“I definitely believe the program has contributed,” she says. “Even though my husband and I are active daily walkers, I had been researching the positive connection between muscle mass and bone density when I read a story about MaxStrength in Mimi Magazine. Something about being able to fit it into my busy schedule clicked.”

Her results include a 20-pound weight loss, increased muscle strength, better balance and pain reduction.

Mastering Your Musculoskeletal System

Catherine’s experience highlights an increasingly important conversation surrounding healthy aging: Strength training places healthy stress on the musculoskeletal system, making it an important component of an overall plan for maintaining bone health as we age.

She also deals with osteoarthritis affecting her hips, neck, back and shoulder. While she still experiences a little stiffness, she’s seen a big improvement in pain compared to where she was seven years ago. 

Catherine describes the slow, controlled resistance training protocol at MaxStrength as something vastly different from the experiences she’s had working with other strength trainers over the years.

“I remember thinking with only two weekly 20-minute sessions it couldn’t be that hard,” she says, laughing. “Then you actually do it. I was pleasantly surprised by how much my muscles felt like they had gotten a difficult workout. My trainers, Lyndsay and Dominic, excel at pushing me harder than I’d ever push myself.”

Easy Fit for Busy Schedules 

Another selling point for Catherine was the slightly chilly, climate-controlled environment and slow-motion approach meant she could work hard without leaving drenched in sweat. That was appealing because Catherine still works full time for her family’s bearing company, HMS Industries in Westlake.

“I can work out and go right to the office,” she says. “I don’t have to go home, shower and change. It’s so convenient and effective. You get the benefit you’re looking for without spending hours at a gym.”

Catherine’s muscle gain has translated into everyday life, too. Being able to keep up with her three busy grandchildren provides a compelling reason to stay strong.

And she’s turned fitness into something of a family affair. Her husband works out at MaxStrength, too, along with five other family members.

She says the motivation to maintain muscle, mobility and bone health has only grown stronger with time.

“The older I get, the more important it becomes,” she says. 

MaxStrength Fitness

13500 Pearl Road, Strongsville

440-467-0700

4212 State Route 306, Willoughby

440-226-8080

2211 Crocker Road, Westlake

440-835-9090

MaxStrengthFitness.com