Listen, I hate to be the bearer of bad gym-bro news, so I’ll let science deliver the message: strength — or the sacred neurological ability to recruit muscle fiber and apply force upon the external world — may not be the longevity panacea we once thought.
Not to say it’s worthless, because there’s plenty of data backing its critical role in optimal function and aging. BUT, there may be a new sheriff in town: Muscle Power.
As new research suggests that the ability to apply force quickly may be a much stronger (pun intended) predictor of mortality risk as we age. And it makes sense — as power is the attribute that lets us catch ourselves in a stumble, get up off the floor, and jump out of the way when some hardo bicyclist is speeding on the sidewalk.
In other words, as we age, strength keeps us capable. Power keeps us out of the hospital.
Here’s what you should start doing today…
