Try This Strength Training – Get stronger to live longer
Sep 11, 2025
Gretchen Reynolds, a health columnist for The Washington Post, shares her expertise on strength training and its crucial impact on health and longevity. She demystifies the idea that gyms are necessary by suggesting alternative methods and discussing the flexibility of resistance training. Listeners learn that even a few minutes of strength exercises each week can make a significant difference in combating age-related muscle loss. Gretchen emphasizes that simple moves like squats and push-ups can enhance independence and promote a sustainable fitness journey for all ages.
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What Strength Training Actually Is
- Strength training means loading muscles against resistance and can be done with any weight or bodyweight movement.
- Muscles respond to overload by getting stronger and slightly bigger regardless of the equipment used.
Aerobic Isn't Enough For Strength
- Aerobic exercise alone won't preserve muscle and strength as you age; resistance exercise is necessary to prevent decline.
- Muscle and strength begin to decline in your 30s if you don't do weight training, even for active people.
Focus On Three Simple Muscle Areas
- Target three simple areas: upper body, core/midbody, and lower body with compound moves like push-ups and squats.
- Use movements that work bundles of muscles to strengthen joints and improve stability.