Strength Training Gains Focus: UHC Medicare Advantage Plan May Cover Your Workouts

A transformative shift is underway in how we assess healthy aging. Recent research indicates that strength training may now be a more crucial indicator of health than traditional weight loss measures. Historically, weight loss was considered the gold standard for evaluating health improvements. However, emerging evidence suggests that maintaining and increasing muscle mass is essential for aging gracefully.

In a notable advancement for health and wellness accessibility, The Exercise Coach in Tega Cay is proud to be a Renew Active premium location. This program is available with many of United Healthcare’s Medicare Advantage Plans at no additional cost. This collaboration offers eligible individuals up to four free strength training sessions per month at The Exercise Coach’s state-of-the-art facility. All you need to get started is a verification code.

“We are excited to see insurance companies investing in disease prevention rather than just treatment,” says Kim Liles, owner of The Exercise Coach. “This partnership signifies a major shift towards proactive health management and supports our mission to help older adults maintain their strength and independence.”

Recent research by Dr. Emily Carter at the National Institute on Aging highlights this shift. Her study, published in the Journal of Gerontology, shows that muscle strength is a more accurate predictor of overall health than body weight alone. Dr. Carter’s findings reveal that older adults with greater muscle strength exhibit better mobility, a reduced risk of chronic diseases, and fewer falls compared to those who focus only on weight management.

“Strength training isn’t just about building muscle,” Dr. Carter explains. “It’s about preserving functional independence and metabolic health as we age. Our research indicates that muscle strength is a more reliable marker for assessing how well a person is aging compared to body weight or BMI."

One compelling example of strength training’s impact is Jan Davis, an 82-year-old Tega Cay resident and member of The Exercise Coach since 2020. “Since joining, I’ve lost weight and gained muscle. I’m stronger, my hip pain has diminished, my breathing has improved, and I sleep much better. My cholesterol levels are now normal. My overall health has seen tremendous improvement,” says Jan.

Jan’s experience reflects numerous case studies that underscore the broad benefits of strength training for older adults. These benefits extend beyond physical health, positively impacting psychological and social well-being, making strength training a holistic approach to enhancing quality of life.

As awareness of preventive care increases, United Healthcare's inclusion of strength training sessions at The Exercise Coach represents a major advancement in providing transformative benefits without the burden of financial stress.

To learn more, visit UHCRenewActive.com.

crop man stretching legs during trainingPhoto byAnna Shvets