TED Health How to use your muscles — or risk losing them w/ Bonnie Tsui | from How to Be a Better Human
Dec 30, 2025
In this conversation, Bonnie Tsui, a journalist and author passionate about movement and the body, shares profound insights about muscle and its impact on identity. She reveals that muscle mass starts dwindling at thirty and stresses the importance of resistance training for health, especially as we age. Bonnie also discusses women breaking stereotypes in strength sports and shares practical weightlifting tips. Through anecdotes from her father's influence and the joy of movement, she inspires listeners to engage with their bodies and redefine strength.
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Muscle As A Life Philosophy
- Muscle isn’t just appearance; it’s a philosophy linking strength, endurance, and purpose.
- Bonnie Tsui frames muscle as traits we cultivate to become who we want to be.
Begin Resistance Training Sooner
- Start resistance training in your 30s because age-related muscle loss begins then.
- Lift challenging weights for 8–10 reps, rest, and progressively increase load over time.
Fold Weightlifting Into Activities You Love
- Add resistance training to joyful movement rather than replacing it.
- Use trainers or friends for guidance and focus on functional goals like reaching high shelves.