Deadlifts are cheaper than physical therapy
Why do we lift? Is it to get absolutely jacked? Well... Yes, but not for the reasons you might think. Being the person who can help your friend move or carry the backpack on a hike is fun, but lifting weights does far more for us than we realize. Strength training helps prevent injury, boosts your metabolism, and preserves independence for life.
Most injuries don’t come from doing something wild. They come from everyday movements that our bodies just weren’t prepared for. Strength training toughens up bones, joints, and connective tissues so they can handle stress and keep you durable. Think about it: when you go to a physical therapist for an ache or injury, what do they tell you? There’s almost always some form of resistance training in your recovery plan, whether it’s bands, weights, or even bodyweight work. The goal is always to rebuild strength. So why wait until the doctor tells you to start? When we slowly build up our deadlift or squat in the gym, the chance of tweaking our back while shoveling snow, doing yard work, or playing with our kids goes down dramatically. A strong body doesn’t just look better, it functions better in everyday life.
As we get stronger, our body packs on lean muscle, and that muscle doesn’t just change how we look, it changes how our body works. Muscle and metabolism go together like peanut butter and jelly. The more lean muscle we have, the more calories our body burns, even when we’re resting. That’s why lifting weights is one of the most effective long-term tools for fat loss. Cardio has its place, but strength training is what keeps your metabolism going 24/7. Our metabolism doesn’t drop off nearly as early as we think. A massive study out of Duke University found that metabolism remains fairly steady from about ages 25 to 60. So while we might not be able to crush late-night pizza like we did as teenagers, our body’s ability to burn energy is still strong if we keep training it to be. By continuing to build and maintain muscle as we age, we give our metabolism a reason to stay high. In other words, lifting now is your best bet for staying strong, lean, and energetic later in life.
Nobody wants to struggle with basic things like getting up off the floor, carrying groceries, or climbing stairs. Lifting now is about giving your future self freedom, confidence, and the ability to live life on your own terms. That’s why we prioritized full range of motion. Movements like squats and lunges train your body to stay capable in real world positions. Getting out of a low chair, kneeling to play with your kids or grandkids, or hiking a steep trail all require strength in those same movement patterns. The stronger you are in the gym, the more freedom you’ll have outside of it.
In summary…
Lift weights for fun, for function, and forever!
Hart