Here’s a question for you: When you think about building muscle, what comes to mind?
Is it toned arms, a flat belly, or a stronger physique?
Sure, those are great perks—but muscle does so much more than just improve your appearance. In fact, muscle is one of the most powerful and overlooked medicines for your overall health - plus there are no side effects.
Let me explain why...
Muscle Boosts Your Metabolism
Muscle is metabolically active tissue, which means it burns more calories at rest than fat does. So, the more muscle you have, the more your body naturally burns calories—even when you're sitting, sleeping, or just relaxing. Think of it like your personal fat-burning furnace working 24/7.
But it’s not just about controlling your weight—it’s about improving your whole system. More muscle means:
✅ Optimising your energy levels: When you build muscle, your body becomes more efficient at generating and using energy. Muscle tissue improves the way your body converts nutrients into fuel, keeping your energy steady throughout the day.
With more muscle, your body uses oxygen more efficiently, making you feel less tired and more energised.
Do you want all-day energy? My guess is ‘yes’ … in which case, you have to do muscle building exercises every day.
✅ Balancing your hormones: Muscle plays a key role in regulating hormones like insulin, cortisol, and even growth hormone.
Strength training can improve your insulin sensitivity, which helps control blood sugar levels and reduces energy dips or crashes and your risk of type 2 diabetes.
It also helps lower cortisol (the stress hormone), which, when kept in balance, prevents the fatigue and sluggishness that come from stress overload.
✅ Helping your body process nutrients more efficiently: Muscle acts like a sponge for the nutrients you consume, particularly glucose and amino acids. This improves your body’s ability to store and use these nutrients for energy, muscle repair, and growth, rather than storing them as fat.
The result? A body that functions more efficiently and feels more vital day in and day out.
✅ Reducing visceral fat: Building muscle helps reduce visceral fat (the dangerous fat stored around your internal organs). Too much visceral fat can lead to serious health issues like insulin resistance, inflammation, and an increased risk of heart disease. By improving your metabolism, muscle helps you burn more fat, especially visceral fat, giving you better long-term health and reducing your risk of chronic illness.
Muscle is a powerful ally (forgive the pun). In short, a healthier metabolism powered by muscle gives you the energy and vitality to enjoy life without limits.
HOWEVER… that’s just the beginning of what muscle can do for you. I’ll be diving into how muscle protects your health in ways you might not even realise.
Stay tuned—you don’t want to miss it.
Warmest wishes,
Sarah
SARAH CLOUGH | THE AGELESS MOVEMENT COACH
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