With legends Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano returning to MMA for a super clash on Netflix, Muscle & Fitness spoke with Jordan Metzl, MD, sports medicine physician at HSS, to discuss what age does to strength and performance. 

Bone density gradually begins to decline around the age of 35, and can be more pronounced in women post-menopause, but for athletes, bone density is often maintained through a history of resistance training. “Exercises such as strength training can slow the progression of bone density loss,” explained Dr. Metzl. “My goal is to keep people moving at whatever phase of life they are in, from kids to grandparents,” he explained.

Genetics can play a part in terms how the aging process affects athletes, but Dr. Metzl says that regular exercise is key to preserving muscle mass and ligament health. So, too, is a healthy, high protein diet. Still, no matter how hard Rousey or Carano may train, “They’re not 25,” notes the doctor. “A 35-year-old body is more likely to suffer injury, either repetitive stress injury or acute traumatic injury. The collagen just isn’t as strong. That means injuries such as tendon strains and tears, ligament sprains, and bone injuries, including stress fractures and traumatic fractures are just more likely to occur.”

Read the full article at muscleandfitness.com.