In a previous post (What’s Your Fitness Age?) I highlighted research that demonstrates the correlation between longevity and VO2max, an indicator of the body’s ability to take in and utilize oxygen. Additional research suggests increased lean muscle mass and leg strength are also strongly linked to longevity. Thus:
1. No matter your value system, you have reason to want to live longer (see my Why Be Fit? – Hedonism and Why Be Fit – Altruism?).
2. If you want to live longer, you should increase your lean muscle mass and leg strength (see Muscle Mass Index As a Predictor of Longevity in Older Adults and Muscle strength as a predictor of long-term survival in severe congestive heart failure).
3. Therefore, no matter your value system, you have reason to increase your lean muscle mass and leg strength.