The statement “Muscles increase longevity, and this is why we say muscles are assets” means that having more muscle mass is associated with a longer lifespan. This is because muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning that it burns calories even when you are at rest. This can help to protect against obesity and other chronic diseases, which are major risk factors for premature death.
Muscle tissue also plays an important role in maintaining bone health and strength.
As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and bone density. This can lead to osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones brittle and more likely to break. Having more muscle mass can help to prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of falls and fractures.
In addition, muscle tissue is a source of protein, which is essential for many bodily functions.
When we are sick or injured, our bodies need more protein to repair tissues and fight infection. Having more muscle mass can help to ensure that we have enough protein available to meet these needs.
For all of these reasons, we can say that muscles are assets. They help us to live longer, more independent and functional healthier lives.
Here are some specific ways that muscles can increase longevity:
- Help to regulate blood sugar levels
- Protect against heart disease and stroke
- Reduce the risk of cancer
- Help to keep bones strong and healthy
- Improve balance and coordination
- Boost metabolism
- Help to reduce inflammation
- Improve sleep quality
- Boost mood and cognitive function
If you want to increase your longevity, it is important to make sure that you have a healthy amount of muscle mass. You can do this by strength training regularly. Strength training is any activity that helps you to build muscle and strength. It can include exercises such as lifting weights, using resistance bands, or doing bodyweight exercises.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that adults do strength training exercises that work all major muscle groups two or three times per week.
Along with strength training, it is also important to eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep. These are important for overall health and can also help to improve muscle mass and strength.
Additionally, it is important to do both cardio exercises and strength training. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week.
Cardio exercises improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate, blood flow, and oxygen delivery to the tissues. This can help to prevent heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases. Cardio exercises also help to control weight, which is another important factor for longevity.
Studies have shown that people who do both cardio exercises and strength training have a lower risk of death from all causes than people who do only one type of exercise. In fact, a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who did both cardio exercises and strength training had a 40% lower risk of death than people who did neither.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a healthy amount of muscle mass and live a longer and healthier life.
