Dr. Gabrielle Lyon coined the term musclespan to define the “length of time that you live with healthy skeletal muscle”. Basically, defining muscle in a functional capacity, not simply aesthetically. It’s the functional capacity of muscle, leading to improved movement, and thus a better aging experience —especially as athletes.
Why is muscle critical to aging happily and continually getting out further? I believe, for most of us it’s obvious—mobility. If, like myself, you’re in your fifties, you are undoubtedly experiencing a decrease in mobility, and possibly strength, as compared to your 30-year-old or 40-year-old self. The more muscle we can maintain, or the more muscle we can still build, leads to durability, translating to maximal enjoyment so we can go out further and longer.
Healthspan vs. lifespan—the number of years you thrive, not just survive.
Aside from functional mobility, healthy muscle impacts metabolic health, storing glucose needed for those trail runs and gravel rides, but also helping stave off type 2 diabetes. As well, the releasing of Myokines through muscle use improves aging making you more resilient to disease.
Takeaways → At 56, I’m feeling the impact of decades of running and riding. I feel stronger when I focus on riding the bike, and tend to lose musclespan when I prioritize running. My goal is to maintain a balance with multiple outdoor activities while continuing to explore strength work options that I can develop into habit.
(Read further → Self)
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