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Why Strength Training is the Toothbrush for Aging Capably
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Let me take you back in time to a silly, oversimplified version *toothbrush* of history.
There’s a point to this, I promise.
A Toothbrush Revolution
Imagine we’re thousands of years ago, in the days of early man—long before toothbrushes or dental care were ever thought of.
Back then, no one brushed their teeth, so everyone’s teeth fell apart as they aged.
People simply accepted it as a natural part of aging: “Missing half your teeth by 40 is just how it goes!”
And then, one day, someone invents the toothbrush.
Inventor: “Hello everyone! Behold my amazing invention: the toothbrush! Just use this every day, and your teeth won’t fall apart as you get older! You can have healthy teeth for your entire life!”
Our heroic inventor is thrilled to share this revolutionary tool, but they get pushback:
Person with 10 cavities: “How long do I have to do this to see results? A month?”
Inventor: “It’s not just for a month or two—it needs to be a regular habit for life.”
Person with 10 cavities: “For life?! LIke all the time?? I’m busy!”
Inventor: “I’m offering you the chance to defy the aging of your mouth if you just brush your teeth daily!”
Person with half their teeth: “Meh, can’t I just do it when my teeth really hurt?”
Inventor: *sighs, wondering about the future of humanity*
Why Strength Training is the Toothbrush of Aging
This story might sound silly, but it’s exactly how many people approach exercise.
We do not need to age the way previous generations have aged!
With strength training, we can maintain our body’s functionality well into our 90s (Buritica-Marin et al.).
And here’s something even more powerful: exercise doesn’t just help you maintain your abilities—it can literally help you live longer.
Research shows that consistent strength training reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves cardiovascular health, and even decreases mortality rates (Merchant et al.).
The benefits aren’t just about aging gracefully—they’re about aging longer and healthier.
Make Strength Training a Non-Negotiable
You wouldn’t (I hope) skip brushing your teeth just because you’re busy.
Why?
Because you know what can happen when you don’t brush your teeth.
And so, it’s a non-negotiable habit.
I challenge you to think of strength training the same way.
I’m not here to tell you you’re wrong if you don’t strength train.
But I do want to remind you that you have control over how you age.
The choices you make today—like making strength training a regular part of your routine—will determine what your body can or can’t do in the years ahead.
How Do You Want to Age?
Ask yourself: “How do I want to age? How important is that to me?”
Staying physically capable as you age doesn’t have to be important to you.
But you don’t get to say that you have no choice.
What Is Your Next Step?
At Activate Body Personal Training in Baltimore, we help you build a sustainable strength training routine that fits your lifestyle.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to optimize your workouts, our personal trainers specialize in guiding you every step of the way.
To your capable longevity,
Ben Supik
Activate Body Personal Training
Interested in learning how the Activate Body Personal Training team can help you get started and hold you accountable to a workout program? Click here and we’ll send you the details on our current trial offer discount!
