Strength training is often seen as a way to build muscle and improve appearance, but its benefits go far beyond that. As I’ve learned firsthand, maintaining strength is key to long-term health, injury prevention, and recovery. Having gone through serious injuries and surgeries, I’ve seen just how important it is to keep the body strong—not just for performance, but for everyday life.
In 2016, I ruptured my left bicep tendon, which took months of recovery and physiotherapy to regain flexion and rotation in my hand. It was a long, frustrating process, and I quickly realized how much strength I had lost in the affected arm. Simple tasks became difficult, and without proper rehab and rebuilding, I wouldn’t have regained full function. That injury made me more aware of the importance of balanced strength training, not just focusing on certain muscles but keeping everything in check to reduce injury risk.
Then in 2020, I had two inguinal hernias repaired at the same time. For six weeks, I couldn’t lift anything heavy or even drive. Once I was cleared to start training again, I knew I had to rebuild from the ground up—focusing on core strength and lower back stability. Before that, I had always trained hard, but this experience made me prioritize injury prevention, proper technique, and structured progression rather than just pushing myself to lift heavier.
These setbacks reinforced a key lesson: muscle isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about function and resilience. Strength training helps protect your joints, maintain mobility, and prevent injuries that can set you back for months. It’s also essential for long-term health, keeping bones strong, improving posture, and making everyday movements easier.
Now, I train not just for performance, but for longevity. Strength is something that should be maintained for life, not just during our younger years. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, getting started with fitness, or looking to future-proof your body, prioritizing strength training will pay off in ways far beyond the gym.
The Importance of Strength Training for Long-Term Health
