Why Is It Important To Build Muscle?

Building Muscle

The idea of building muscle conjures images of a muscle-bound body builder or a bulky athlete. For many, this is a physique that is highly desirable; for many others, this is something that prevents them from wanting to lift weights and build muscle. Why Is It Important To Build Muscle?

If getting too bulky is your concern for lifting weights, fear not! The amount of lifting and coordination with diet it takes to bulk up like most body builders far exceeds anything most people will ever get close to. However, there is enormous benefit from trying our best to build lean muscle. 

Having a good amount of muscle mass is beneficial at any age. Having strong muscles is beneficial for:

  • Strength
  • Endurance
  • Posture
  • Skeletal health

In addition to these things, recent research shows that building and maintaining muscle mass, particularly as we age, has enormous benefits for longevity and maintaining vitality as we age. Peter Attia, MD, is a prominent figure in the field of longevity, human performance, and metabolic health. He emphasizes the importance of building muscle for several reasons:

Metabolic Health: Muscle is metabolically active tissue. The more muscle mass you have, the higher your basal metabolic rate (BMR). This means you burn more calories even at rest, which can help with weight management and overall metabolic health.

Insulin Sensitivity: Building muscle can improve insulin sensitivity, which is critical for regulating blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Bone Health: Resistance training, which is often used to build muscle, also strengthens bones. This is important for preventing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of fractures, especially as you age.

Functional Strength: Building muscle improves overall strength and functional capacity, making daily tasks easier and reducing the risk of injury.

Longevity: Maintaining muscle mass as you age is associated with better health outcomes and longevity. This may be due to the metabolic benefits and increased resilience to age-related declines in muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia).

Hormonal Balance: Muscle mass plays a role in hormonal balance. Resistance training can help regulate hormones such as testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which are important for muscle growth, repair, and overall health.

Ultimately, we know that exercise, particularly resistance training, is beneficial for multiple facets of health, including

  • Cardiovascular health
  • Pulmonary health
  • Mental health
  • Musculoskeletal health

Certainly, the benefits do not stop there, but we now know that not only will we reap the benefits of lifting weights and build muscle now, but these we will help propel us into old age with health and vitality. 

 

Related Recipes and Articles

How to Start an Exercise Regimen

Exercise Can Prevent Cancer

Exercise Alone Won’t Work

 

Still have questions?

Join our LIVE Q&A stream every week if you would like to ask a question! Learn more about the live show and join in here: KTC Too! – Doug Kaufmann’s Know the Cause

 

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