Every weight loss goal has a purpose. Sometimes it is about shedding excess weight that places someone in the overweight or obese category. Other times, the focus is on building endurance or getting toned. Often, these goals overlap.
There is another objective that frequently flies under the radar: longevity. Most people associate ageing well with skincare products like retinol, but many overlook one of the most fundamental pillars of graceful ageing: exercising well. While not every workout supports longevity, choosing the right type is important to stay healthy in the long run.
And for context, longevity does not mean simply living longer or appearing youthful. It means living healthier, so that the golden years of life are not weighed down by lifestyle-driven comorbidities.
Dr Vassily Eliopoulos – a longevity expert with an MD from Cornell University and Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Longevity Health, widely known as Dr Vass, shared in a February 16 Instagram post about which is the best exercise for longevity. He named strength training exercises, calling them non-negotiable for women, especially.
“If you choose only one exercise this year for longevity, make it strength training,” he noted.
Why should you strength-train?
Strength training directly supports muscle growth. Dr Vass noted, “Muscle is your metabolic engine, helping to regulate blood sugar, hormones and even cognitive function.”
Routine
The longevity doctor recommended a routine which is easy to execute. Often, it is easier on paper, but in practice, following through with the plans may be challenging. He simplified it, “The fix is pretty simple- two to three, full-body sessions each week. Squats, pulls, pushes, hinges. Pair that with about a gram of protein per pound, along with real sleep recovery.”
Along with workouts, you also need to maintain a proper diet with adequate protein intake and get a proper amount of sleep daily. Dr Vass revealed that improvements are seen in energy, metabolism and posture. One may pop in supplements to support their health, but nothing can beat strength training.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
