7 facts about muscle that will get you to the gym tomorrow

Happy Friday,

As I plan my weekend with the family, I thought of sharing something that has been going through my head since I had my second kid and I posted about yesterday (Seems it resonated with a lot of parents)

In summary, you have 10 years to make as much impact as possible on your kids' behaviours. After that, you will no longer be their best friend. And after they turn 18, you might only see them a few times a year.  There is not much “leading by example” to be done over Zoom calls. I am far from perfect, but I own the responsibility of being a father and I try to get better every day. Some parents should rethink the way they prioritise instant gratification over long-term health.

Now let’s break down why you need to hit the gym or start a workout today, not tomorrow. (The best time was yesterday; the second-best time is today.)

1. A study has shown that individuals over the age of 50 with low muscle mass have a 40-50% higher risk of mortality compared to their counterparts with higher muscle mass.

2. Exercise boosts memory by generating a potent brain molecule called BDNF, which improves the health and function of the hippocampus, a part of the brain that plays a crucial role in memory. It helps keep the brain healthy and preserve brain volume.

3. Muscle helps us survive old age. Falls are by far the leading cause of accidental death in those aged 65 and older. This association works in two ways: those with more muscle mass are less likely to fall, and those who are less likely to fall for other reasons will have an easier time maintaining muscle mass.

4. People are not less active because we are weaker; we are weaker because we are less active. Exercise is so effective against diseases of aging that it is often compared to medicine. Despite exercise being one of the main drivers of longevity, doctors pay little to no attention to it and often lack the knowledge about its benefits (everyone in my family is a doctor).

5. Exercise improves our ability to metabolize glucose and fat, with different effects in those with adequate muscle mass compared to under-muscled individuals, while also producing cytokines that boost the immune system and promote the growth of stronger bones.

Unfortunately, 90% of the advise you see online is rubbish, either done by people with little to no background in exercise science, have been in the industry for a couple of years and see potential for monetary gain, or have no idea of what it means to be in shape whilst a busy executive, entrepreneur, and lead a family. Luckily, you are in the right place, like X below.

Client of the week

Byron is a Group Chief Legal Officer who felt sick and tired of being sick and tired. He worked 60 hours a week while battling constant fatigue and brain fog. In six months, he lost 55 lbs and looks like a completely new person. He mentioned how he used to grow his beard to hide his bloated face. Here's how we did it:

• We started with the path of least resistance: 3 times a week mobility workouts.

• We conducted an ergonomic assessment and fixed his workspace. Bad posture was draining all his energy during long hours of work.

• We provided him with a sustainable nutrition framework that he could follow with his family. They liked it so much that his wife joined the program just three weeks later.

Are you an executive who wants to increase energy, decrease pain and take back control of your health? Click this link to apply to work 1-1 with me

Until next week!

Diego Carrete

Chief Executive Officer @ FIT LIFE FZCO

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