Too often muscle is a show.
“Muscle” and “strength” and “lifting” as it all happens in your average local gym is what makes strength training intimidating for some. “Instatrainers” and showoffs and pseudoscientists on social media only make it noisier with conflicting research, elaborate workout protocols, and stunt exercise videos to get eyeballs.
But strength training is critical for health. We all need it. Keeping our bodies strong and functional is how we maintain health and achieve, hopefully, longevity.
So let’s get away from the show of muscle.
Some facts based on the most recent science: You don’t have to lift heavy weights to get great results (unless you want to). You don’t need complex equipment and workouts to get great results (unless you want those things).
In fact, lighter weights can give you the same muscle-building results as heavier weight if you know how to do it. You can also lift those lighter weights to achieve more muscular power, which, as you’ll see, is something worth striving for as you get older.
