{"id":123953,"date":"2021-10-29T08:40:29","date_gmt":"2021-10-29T12:40:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/?p=123953"},"modified":"2025-06-17T14:41:58","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T18:41:58","slug":"research-in-60-seconds-using-strength-training-to-improve-aging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/research-in-60-seconds-using-strength-training-to-improve-aging\/","title":{"rendered":"Research in 60 Seconds Video: Using Strength Training to Improve Aging"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether it\u2019s solving the world\u2019s biggest problems or investigating the potential of novel discoveries, researchers at UCF are on the edge of scientific breakthroughs that aim to make an impact. Through the Research in 60 Seconds series, student and faculty researchers condense their complex studies into bite-sized summaries so you can know how and why Knights plan to improve our world.<\/p>\n

Name:<\/strong> Kylie Harmon
\nMajor:<\/strong> Exercise physiology doctorate <\/a><\/p>\n

Why are you interested in this research?
\n<\/strong>Not to alarm anyone, but we are all aging, every minute of every day. Why not embrace it? The narrative of being \u201ctoo old\u201d and \u201cletting yourself go\u201d is old news. Over the last year especially, the importance of maintaining health over the lifespan has become increasingly apparent. We shouldn\u2019t only work to increase our lifespan but increase our health span. More healthy days means more days spent doing whatever it is that we love to do \u2014 spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, living independently. Maintaining our strength as we age helps us do that. There is so much research indicating that strength and muscle mass are positively correlated with healthy aging. You\u2019ll feel better, you\u2019ll look better, and you\u2019ll fare better when ailments come knocking.<\/p>\n

How did you get started in research at UCF?
\n<\/strong>I came to UCF because I wanted to be involved in a research-intensive program. Like the other exercise physiology graduate students, I was encouraged to begin a research trajectory right away. I had interviewed with my mentor before being offered a position in his lab, and he had given me a list of papers to read before my arrival. In this way, I was really able to hit the ground running and get involved in research during the first semester in my doctoral program. This is really a testament to mentorship and teamwork. I wouldn\u2019t be where I am without my mentor and lab mates. In my experience, research needs a team approach. You need guidance and you need teammates. And when the going gets tough, it\u2019s helpful to know those teammates are also your friends.<\/p>\n

Are you a faculty member or student conducting research at UCF? We want to hear from you.\u00a0<\/em>Tell us about your research at bit.ly\/ucf-research-60-form.<\/em><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Who is your mentor? Who inspires you and how?
\n<\/strong>My mentor is Dr. Matt Stock, associate professor of physical therapy and director of the Neuromuscular Plasticity Laboratory and the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Sciences<\/a>. He is a huge source of inspiration for me. He\u2019s the hardest working person I know and has taught me countless lessons about what it means to be a successful researcher. He\u2019s also just a good person and truly has his students\u2019 best interests at heart, which is probably the most important quality in a mentor. We\u2019re very fortunate to have him.<\/p>\n

As far as other sources of inspiration, there are plenty of researchers that I admire, but I\u2019ve been feeling extra inspired lately by my fellow graduate students. I\u2019m consistently impressed by how hard they all work. It\u2019s inspiring to see the ambition and determination that they all possess. Being surrounded by people with that kind of work ethic is motivating.<\/p>\n

How does UCF empower you to do your research?
\n<\/strong>I could not be at a better place than UCF to do my research. Within the Department of Kinesiology<\/a>, we have state-of-the-art facilities and equipment which allow us to complete innovative research projects year-round. We also have an incredible faculty who profoundly value mentorship. As graduate students, we have the unique opportunity to work closely with experts in the field while still being given ample room to grow. We also have an excellent environment of collaboration within our Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Sciences. Opportunities to work with students and faculty members across disciplines are invaluable and provide important perspectives that we wouldn\u2019t be privy to otherwise. It\u2019s easy to get siloed into your research rabbit hole, but collaboration helps to broaden perspectives and challenge ideas, so we can add to existing research in more comprehensive ways.<\/p>\n

Why is this research important?
\n<\/strong>I think preventative medicine is immensely important. What we can prevent, we don\u2019t need to later treat. I firmly believe that exercise is medicine. It isn\u2019t a cure all, but it\u2019s a really accessible way to prevent a ton of chronic diseases and improve overall health. And you don\u2019t need to go to extremes to reap the benefits.Start slowly. Do what you can. A set of resistance bands or dumbbells will go a long way for beginners. As with most things, it\u2019s not about being perfect, but being consistent. So find something that you enjoy and can do on a regular basis. Something is always better than nothing. Strength training is healthcare.<\/p>\n

How to Get Involved with Research at UCF<\/h2>\n