The Longevity Hype: Why True Healthspan Travels Beyond the Gym

Longevity is an interesting topic, and over the years ther have been several key metrics that have been discovered in the fitness realm that point to a longer life

At the moment it's VO2 max

Those with a high VO2max live longer

A couple of years ago it was grip strength

Those with a hight grip strength live longer

Before that there was quadriceps muscle mass.

Mass, not strength

Thick thighs, literally save lives!

There's probably a few I've missed and I'm sure in another year or two there will be a new marker.

Decoding the Physical Markers of Longevity

A decent VO2 max, a strong grip and quadriceps muscle mass.

Doesn't that sound like pretty much any amateur or pro athlete?

Doesn't that sound like any person following a well rounded fitness plan?

So VO2 max, basically means good cardio, a flexible heart, good metabolism.

Grip, just means you are strong, it's an efficient marker of neural drive, we can actually use grip strength testing as an alternative to HRV testing for recovery/readiness assessments. That's how tied it is to neural drive!

Muscle mass, all muscle mass is good muscle mass!

The Hidden Pillars: Strength, Mobility, and Endurance of Mind and Spirit

I want to add to the list.

In my mind if you build and maintain Strength, Mobility & Endurance, you are not going to go far wrong.

Martial Artists and Kettlebell Sports folks really ought to live forever, as they tend to have strength, mobility & endurance is spades!

But, what isn't talked about enough is that these three attributes are not just physical attributes.

They can, and should be considered attributes of the mind and spirit.

Because there are a couple of other markers that have been noticed that fall outside the remit of the gym folks.

They are:

Purpose and Community

Interviewing centenarians, folks who live to 100 or more years old, many of whom live lifestyles the fitness folks would sneer at.

But they do find these people have a strong sense of community and a great sense of humour.

Many have lived lives in service of others, teaching, providing care and so on.

And that certainly falls into having Strength, Mobility and Endurance of mind & spirit.

How to Train for a Better Healthspan

So, do kettlebell swings and snatches to build both grip & VO2 max

Do Squats for those thighs

Laugh at yourself, you can take your training and work seriously, but not yourself

And have community, if you have good people around you, you can survive damn near anything!

Long story short, don't believe any hype around longevity.

Create balance in yourself by training for all three attributes across all three elements of the human animal.

Don't focus on living longer, focus on living better.

That is to say, put life into your years, not years on your life.

Focus on health span rather than lifespan

Search my old articles for my old mate Wolf Brolleys take on the concept of Glide Ratio

And you'll be fine.

Simple

Not Easy

Dave

www.davehedges.net