Muscles are much more than an accessory for gym selfies or an excuse to admire yourself in the mirror. They are a fundamental part of our health and well-being, even if we’re not aiming to become bodybuilders. Although we often associate them with brute strength or aesthetics, their functions go far beyond that. Here’s why you should pay attention to them—not just when you’re complaining about the effort of climbing stairs.
Spoiler: they’re not just for carrying grocery bags. Muscles are specialized tissues that allow us to move, stand upright, and keep our skeleton from turning into an unstable mess. But they’re not limited to their physical function: they also play metabolic, hormonal, and even immune-supporting roles. In short, they’re the multitaskers of our body.
Skeletal muscles are the ones you use to run, dance (or try to), and lift that overly heavy suitcase. Smooth muscles, which you can’t see or control, work hard inside your organs to prevent you from fainting due to lack of blood or experiencing digestive problems. And then there’s the cardiac muscle—your heart: quite literally, you can’t live without it.
Move Better
Muscles don’t just prevent you from looking like a rusty robot; they also stabilize your joints and improve your posture. Who wouldn’t want to walk without looking like they’re carrying 20 kilos on each shoulder? Strengthening muscles reduces the risk of osteoporosis and sarcopenia, the condition that occurs when muscles decide to stop working as we age. Additionally, muscles are like natural shock absorbers. If you fall, having good muscle mass means you’re more likely to laugh it off than end up in the hospital.
Did you know that muscles burn calories even when you’re sitting on the couch watching Netflix? The more muscles you have, the more energy your body uses at rest. So, if you want to manage your weight, you know who to rely on: your biceps and glutes.
Improve Mental Health
Training and working your muscles stimulates the production of endorphins, those hormones that make you feel happy, relaxed, and less inclined to yell at traffic.
Over the Years
With time, muscles start to disappear as if by magic, which can turn simple tasks like getting up from the couch into monumental challenges. If you take care of them now, not only will you avoid these problems, but you’ll also enjoy an active old age without relying on others for everything.
Train Your Muscle
Work on your strength: lift weights, do squats, or at least don’t avoid physical activity altogether. Forget miracle diets. Your muscles need proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Yes, you can eat without guilt as long as it’s balanced. Sleeping less than seven hours a day is an insult to your muscles. Give them time to recover, or they’ll make you pay with soreness.
Muscles aren’t just there to make you look good in tight clothing. They are a pillar of your health and well-being, helping to prevent disease, protect you from injuries, and even improve your mood. So, if you’re not paying attention to them yet, what are you waiting for? Well-cared-for muscles won’t just make life easier they’ll guarantee a more independent and active old age. Invest in your muscles before it’s too late!