One of my main focuses with this blog is to look at ectomorphic muscle building through the lens of health rather than just “getting ripped” and other forms of pure vanity. In this video, Dan Buettner shares his research about what it takes to live to 100 and after taking some notes there were a few points that I felt were particularly relevant:
- Surrounding yourself with the right people is far more effective than diets or implementing a training routine. Work with people who are doing what you want to do or have done what you want to do. You’re the average of your 3-5 closest friends, so if they all have poor habits in terms of eating and exercise you either need to work with them to improve their habits, or find more close friends.
- Natural movement is the best exercise. Instead of thinking as “training” as an entirely separate entity from your life, make it apart of your lifestyle. Do simple things like participating in sports, going for a swim, or purposefully avoiding modern conveniences. Make your muscles work without convoluted machines.
- You need to have the right outlook. What do you wake up for? Strength training may not be your answer, but that’s fine – it’s not my answer. But the reason I wake up in the morning, my purpose, justifies my desire for strength. This all links back to using muscle building as a means.
I may not live to be 100, but these ideas have renewed my inspiration to do my best to live well.
