Hello Reader

Today I want to talk to you about another aspect of aging that sneaks up on us.

Let me make this super clear: this email is not meant to scare you, but to empower you with the tools you need to live stronger, live free and live for longer.

You see, I have noticed something in the past couple of years that frightens me.

There are small things in my everyday life that are getting slightly harder to do.

In fact, it's barely noticeable.

Maybe I was able to spot it because I am aware that we lose between 3% and 8% of our muscle mass every decade after 30.

Small things like pulling out the water jug when it's full.
Growing tired faster when carrying my toddler.
Struggling to move furniture with my husband.
Having a hard time lifting the vacuum out of the tiny closet it's tucked in.

I used to do this without much effort...

I was getting weaker. Not by a whole lot,... but I was getting weaker.
And that scares me. I'm only 42.

We're talking about a small decrease in muscle, only 0.3 to 0.8% each year: I don't think we can even tell.

But this is the beginning of a trend, and there is no way I am going to let that happen.

This trend comes for us all, so today I'm sharing with you everything you need to know about getting tested for your strength, so you can tell how you're aging.

In upcoming emails, I will follow up with ways to offset this decline, so it doesn't happen to you either.

The good news is that you see immediate results once you get started.​
After only 6 sessions, all these little things I was struggling with, are no longer a concern for me. So let's dive in.

​

Grip strength an indicator of overall strength

Grip strength is what it sounds like. It is measured by squeezing as hard as you can on a handle, equipped with a reader (called a dynanometer). It takes a measurement for each hand in kg. Your grip strength is then the average of both sides.

Mine was measured at 28kg. This puts me in the "average" category.

A result I am not happy with. You'll see why.

Although our overall strength may be more accurately determined together with leg strength, measurement of grip strength has been widely adopted as an indicator of overall strength.

It gives a good idea of where we stand in terms of strength.

​

Grip strength: a crystal ball view into how we're aging

There is a lot of research on grip strength, amounting to enough evidence to use it to gauge or predict:

• bone mineral density/osteoporosis: strength is a better explanator of bone mineral density/osteoporosis than muscle mass.
• fractures, and falls,
• nutritional status, disease status
• cognition, depression, and sleep,
• hospital-related variables, and mortality.

Effectively, a longevity coach's crystal ball. It tells a lot about what your future may look like.

By proxy, this makes overall body strength, protective as we age.

Getting stronger is a top priority passed 40.

Think about building muscle as raising capital for the quality of your life.

​

How grip strength relates to everyday life

What all of this research has established is that people with the lowest baseline grip strength are significantly more likely

• to walk slowly
• be unable to rise from a chair
• be unable to lift 4.5kg (the weight of a 4 months old baby)
• be unable to dress
• be unable to bathe
• be unable to toilet.

This is what terrifies me.

Nobody wants to grow old only to be unable to perform the most basic things in life.

That's why passed 40, strength training needs to be a priority.

Even though I didn't test low, "average" for health is not going to cut it.

What's considered average, or in the normal range, is not so good. In particular for longevity.

For example, one study found that people aged 35 to 44, who had blood glucose in the normal range (90 to 150 mg/dL) were 32% more likely to die than someone who had levels under the normal range.

This is where functional health shines : we don't just treat issues when they come up, but we support optimal health to thrive.

I don't want an average life now, for an average old age later.

I have already started on a plan to improve my overall strength, and I will share more about this soon.
In the past month, with only 6 sessions, it has already become easier to pick up my 30lbs toddler.

You should have seen the look on her face when I told mommy is getting stronger: that lit her up!

I want to leave you on this positive note.

Because getting stronger is 100% in your power.

Next week, I'll share some actionable tips to offset the decline.

Talk soon!
Jihane

​

PS: Want to get stronger with your friends? Sharing is caring. You can forward this email to let them know that you see a powerful future together.

If you receive this email from a friend, make sure to subscribe to get the actionable tips directly to your inbox.

​