Muscle Mass: The 5th Vital Sign for Health and Longevity
At EverWell Center for Health and Longevity, we believe muscle mass is more than just a number on a body composition scan—it’s a critical indicator of overall health and a key to aging well. That’s why we track it as a “fifth vital sign” alongside metrics like blood pressure and heart rate.
Maintaining muscle mass isn’t just about aesthetics or bragging rights. It’s about equipping your body for the demands of daily life and setting yourself up for long-term health, mobility, and independence.
Why Muscle Mass Matters
It’s easy to associate exercise with superficial goals: bigger muscles, weight loss, or simply besting a sibling in friendly competition. But the truth is, the importance of working out goes much deeper.
Strong muscles make everyday tasks—like carrying groceries, playing with grandchildren, or climbing stairs—easier and safer. They give you the stamina to stay active throughout the day and the resilience to recover quickly when life throws you a curveball.
As we age, muscle mass and bone density naturally decline. This phenomenon, called sarcopenia, increases the risk of frailty, falls, and injuries. Without intervention, it can lead to a vicious cycle of inactivity and further muscle loss.
Functional fitness—a practical approach to strength and conditioning—provides a solution.
What Is Functional Fitness?
Unlike traditional gym workouts that isolate specific muscles, functional fitness focuses on movements that mirror everyday activities. The goal isn’t just strength; it’s improving coordination, balance, mobility, and posture to build a body that performs well in real-life situations.
Imagine this: A man lifts heavy weights at the gym but injures his back while picking up a suitcase. This is where functional fitness shines—it trains your body for practical tasks.
Examples of functional exercises include:
Squats – for getting up from a chair or lifting heavy objects.
Pushups – for upper body strength and core stability.
Lunges – for activities like vacuuming, gardening, or navigating uneven surfaces.
These exercises engage multiple muscle groups at once, teaching them to work together. The result? Improved strength, agility, and endurance without the need for endless hours at the gym.
The Longevity Connection
Strong muscles aren’t just about functionality—they’re deeply tied to longevity. Research shows that maintaining muscle mass can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, enhance metabolic health, and improve recovery from illness or surgery. Muscle tissue also plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels and supporting a healthy immune system.
For older adults, building and preserving muscle mass can delay or prevent the onset of frailty, allowing them to enjoy an active, independent lifestyle for years to come.
Common Myths About Strength Training
Many people avoid strength training due to misconceptions, like the fear of “bulking up.” In reality, most individuals, especially women, won’t develop oversized muscles from functional fitness routines. Instead, they’ll experience increased tone, energy, and confidence.
Track Your Progress with BodyMetrix™ by IntelaMetrix
At EverWell, we use the BodyMetrix™ System by IntelaMetrix, a state-of-the-art ultrasound body composition device, to help you monitor your muscle mass and overall health. This cutting-edge technology is the same professional-grade system trusted by elite athletes and trainers. Unlike traditional methods, the BodyMetrix System provides quick, accurate assessments without the need for embarrassing or painful pinching.
The process is fast and simple, taking just minutes to complete. Results are unaffected by factors like hydration, caffeine intake, or recent exercise, giving you consistent, reliable data. Whether in our office or on the go, the portable BodyMetrix™ device connects seamlessly to Windows or Mac desktops, laptops, and Windows Pro tablets, allowing assessments to be made almost anywhere.
With this powerful tool, we can track your muscle mass, body fat, and other critical metrics over time, ensuring that your fitness plan is working to support your health and longevity goals.
Getting Started
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or new to exercise, functional fitness can be tailored to your needs and goals. At EverWell, we can guide you through safe, effective programs to improve your muscle mass, functional strength, and overall vitality.
It’s never too early—or too late—to prioritize your muscle health. By investing in your strength now, you’re investing in a future where you can live life on your own terms.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us to learn more about our functional fitness programs and other services designed to support your health and longevity.
