We’re all looking for ways to stay strong during these challenging times- and not just emotionally. Turns out physical strength is also valuable, certainly for balance and mobility, but perhaps more importantly right now, for your immune system. In previous agebuzz posts, we’ve touted the benefits of strength training for such health concerns as sarcopenia, frailty, and cardiovascular health. Now, new research out of Germany and published in Science Advances shows an intriguing link between muscle mass and “immune exhaustion.” As explained in a recent post in Inverse, when your immune system is battling an enemy like cancer or a virus, this can lead to “immune exhaustion.” But it seems that your system of muscles can shelter and store certain immune-fighting T cells and replenish your immune system when it becomes fatigued. While this study was conducted in mice, and further human studies are needed, it does appear that building up your skeletal muscle strength through weight training might also serve to boost your immune system. So step up your strength-building exercises and read more about muscles and immunity here.

There are additional new studies linking strength training with other improvements in your body. For example, according to a recent study in The Journal of Neuroscience, a program of weight lifting, while eventually improving and enhancing your muscles, will initially also strengthen your nervous system. Gaining strength in your body through weight lifting and strength training isn’t just about building muscle mass. It’s also about strengthening the neural inputs that lead to larger muscles. So, while you’re waiting for your muscles to bulge, get a better understanding of what’s going on by reading here.

And for some senior-friendly strategies for building up muscles and strength, review our previous agebuzz post on strength- promoting exercises and read up on tips for strength training in the Washington Post here, click here for a twenty-minute weight training workout for seniors or put on the spandex and watch a National Institute for Aging strength training workout video here.