Wayne Westcott, PhD, was one of the many acclaimed presenters at the 13th Annual American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health & Fitness Summit held March 25-28 in Atlanta, Georgia. With standing-room-only breakout sessions and a book-signing event, he was able to share with attendees his expertise in the health and fitness field.
As research director at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachusetts, Westcott focuses much of his energy educating on the importance of strength training. He addresses the needs of not only general adult fitness-seekers but also the needs of special populations including active older adults.
One of Westcott’s sessions offered at the ACSM Summit was particularly relevant to aging and strength training. He explained that one cause of today’s obesity epidemic is the lowered resting metabolic rate resulting from muscle loss attributed to sedentary aging. By remaining active and incorporating strength exercise, individuals can reduce this metabolic effect and reduce risk of chronic disease, a concept that has been an integral part of Westcott’s work.
For those who have had the pleasure of meeting Westcott, you already know that his friendly demeanor and passion for health come shining through in everything he does. His positive attitude and hunger for knowledge are both inspiring and infectious.
Westcott addresses the benefits of strength training for older adults in "Strength Training and Metabolism" in Active Aging Today, the online journal of the Active Aging Community Center. AACC+ members can access it here.
