What if the secret to longevity wasn’t about cutting-edge biohacking, futuristic tech, or AI tracking… but rather getting back to basics?

We’ve talked at length about the concept of longevity — healthy aging — which has proven to be the biggest trend in wellness over the past few years and is showing zero signs of slowing down (how fitting!).

But you don’t have to be installing cryo chambers, infrared saunas, and fancy AI machines into your clubs in order to tap into the longevity trend… unless you want to, and if so, by all means, go ahead!

It doesn’t have to be complicated; many of the activities that you and your clientele are already doing could be enough if they’re emphasized and done consistently.

In this issue, we’ll explore how common fitness practices you’re already a part of — like strength training, aerobic exercise, and even recreational sports — are scientifically proven to increase lifespan. As fitness professionals, you have the unique opportunity to position these activities as powerful tools for healthy aging, reinforcing the life-changing impact of your work.

The Longevity Benefits of Weightlifting and Strength Training

Weightlifting and strength training are very likely a cornerstone of your practice already. And weightlifting alone is linked to a 9% to 22% lower risk of dying, according to a Harvard study.

As for how this directly relates to longevity, this type of fitness builds and preserves muscle mass, which is critical as we age.

Muscle mass plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic health, mobility, and overall physical resilience as we get older. Preserving muscle also helps reduce the risk of falls, fractures, and chronic conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, stronger muscles improve functional independence, which is essential for quality of life in later years. Regular strength training supports these outcomes, making it a key component of healthy aging.

Aerobic Exercise: Cardio for a Longer Life

The other cornerstone of your practice is cardio. And the most important stat to know on this front: moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise lowers the risk of dying by 24% to 34%. Activities like running, cycling, swimming, and even brisk walking — truly, the basics — are already contributing to a healthier, longer life.

As fitness professionals, we fundamentally know this, but reframing the information within the context of a wellness trend can help us educate new groups of individuals on different parts of their health journey.

Combine Cardio & Strength For Best Results

Another stat to reinforce to your communities: Combining aerobic exercise with weightlifting can reduce mortality risk by 41% to 47% (compared to people who do no exercise).

To maximize longevity benefits, develop a functional program that incorporates both modalities.

Sports: Adding Fun and Lifespan Gains

Keeping people on a consistent program is tantamount to success, and one of the ways you can do that is by imbuing fun. The dynamism and social aspect of sports can keep individuals on their routine for longer. Here is some data to back this up: Playing tennis is associated with living about a decade longer.

Despite wellness and fitness being a major trend, with millions of new members signing up for gyms and boutique fitness studios every year, the CDC says only about half of Americans are getting enough exercise.

Incorporating a fun sport — whether it’s a team sport like soccer, an individual sport like swimming, or a social sport like dance — could be the remedy for those who are rather exercise averse.

Coaching individuals through their sports journey allows you to help them improve technique and form, which will enhance physical attributes like strength, speed, agility, and flexibility — all of which can contribute to longevity. Specific sports coaching also involves injury prevention, which is yet another factor in longevity.

Designing Your Workout for Longevity

What’s the best way to structure your workout for longevity? Though there’s not ONE universal answer for this, Dr. Peter Attia, a physician specializing in longevity, recommends a comprehensive exercise routine to promote a long, healthy life. Key components include strength training, Zone 2 training (low-intensity, steady-state aerobic exercises), HIIT, and stability and mobility exercises (to improve balance and flexibility, thus reducing the risk of falls and maintaining joint health).

Dr. Attia emphasizes that the optimal exercise routine varies for each individual, depending on factors like age, fitness level, and health goals. He advises consulting with healthcare professionals to tailor a program that aligns with personal needs and capabilities — which could be an interesting opportunity for your club, too.

Partnering with a medical team with a longevity or gerontological specialty could provide greater depth, credibility, safety, and resources for a tailored program.

Reframing Aging and Longevity

According to Co-Chair of the American Academy of AntiAging Medicine, Jim LaValle, R.Ph. CCN., “Understanding and addressing aging as a multifaceted process influenced by biology, lifestyle, emotional and environmental factors” is the key to not just the messaging, but helping your communities achieve healthy longevity as well.

But the messaging is a crucial factor. One that LaValle would argue can dramatically influence the pace of aging. “Being a supportive and consistent ally to the client is a key role to changing their patterns and behaviors which lead to not just achieving their goals, but to improving longevity and resiliency,” he says. “How do we accomplish that? By becoming educated and understanding the core concepts of what leads to increased health span and resiliency. For the fitness professional, that means being familiar with current longevity strategies that are proven and worthwhile while steering them away from unproven or deleterious advice.”

What do your communities need to get from the messaging? Their choices matter when it comes to healthy aging. “It is important to understand that the pace of aging can be dramatically influenced by lifestyle choices,” says LaValle.

LaValle recommends an emphasis on education around exercise “specific to the client goals,” as well as “recovery and rejuvenation protocols, and proper sleep hygiene to support overall health and longevity. In essence, having a well-rounded knowledge base to the coming trends in longevity and performance health will all enhance the trainer-client relationship.”

Key Takeaways

The trend is new, but the method isn’t. The takeaway? We’re going back to basics, delivering it through a new lens, and educating the community.

What can you do to tap into the trend using the tools you already have?

• Create Longevity-Focused Programs: Develop offerings that combine strength training, aerobic exercise, and sport-specific training tailored to maximize lifespan benefits. Use “longevity” and “healthy aging” in your messaging.
• Educate Clients: Incorporate longevity-focused talking points into consultations, social media content, and marketing materials to emphasize the science-backed benefits of fitness.
• Upskill and Network: Collaborate with other professionals or invest in further education (e.g., longevity science) to enhance expertise and attract clients seeking health-focused, long-term fitness solutions. If you’re considering upskilling in this area, consider the Active Aging program through the Gray Institute, reinforce your cardio specialization with the Cardio Coach specialty at CORE, or add Functional Cable Strength to your repertoire with Freemotion.
• Differentiate Your Offering: Highlight your role as a longevity ally to attract clients who prioritize health and aging well over short-term goals like aesthetics. Consider working with longevity specialists in the medical field to further differentiate your services.

We can’t wait to see where you take this trend next year. 2025 is the year to position yourself as a leader in the longevity trend. Start now by exploring certifications, building partnerships, or launching your own longevity programs.

We’ll also continue to update you on additional resources in the coming year, including events, seminars, and coursework.

Cheers to a happy, healthy new year!

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Industry Happenings:

Upcoming Events:

1. The Fit Expo, January 25-26, 2025, Los Angeles, California
2. PerformX Live, February 26-27, 2025, Birmingham, UK
3. Connected Health & Fitness Summit, February 11-13, 2025, Los Angeles, California
4. DC MANIA®, February 27-March 2, 2025, Herndon, Virginia
5. IWF China Fitness Convention, March 5-7, 2025, Shanghai, China
6. California Mania®, March 20-23, 2025, Burlingame, California
7. FitnessFest Conference & Expo, April 3-6, 2025, Phoenix, Arizona

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Upcoming Workshops in November & December:

1. 20+ workshops from Peak Pilates
2. 20+ workshops from TRX®
3. 15 workshops from Spinning®
4. 10 workshops from Oxygen Advantage
5. 4 workshops from CFSC
6. 4 workshops from SoulBody Fitness
7. 2 workshops from U-Jam
8. 1 workshop from Athleticum
9. 1 workshop from Exos
10. 1 workshop from Gray Institute
11. 1 workshop from Power Plate

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Industry News:

• The US House of Representatives passed the EXPLORE Act promoting outdoor recreation.
• ACE adds Mental Wellbeing Certification in partnership with the Mental Wellbeing Association.
• Therabody launched airport vending machines.
• Life Time Fitness reported that strength, saunas, and supplements will lead the way in 2025.
• The European Heart Journal found that moderate wine consumption is linked to heart health.
• The Health & Fitness Association is hosting its first-ever Hall of Fame ceremony at The HFA Show in March.
• HealthFitness acquired Corporate Fitness Works.

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Thanks for Reading!

This newsletter was brought to you by Kathie Davis, Peter Davis, Ravi Sharma, Dominique Astorino, and the Inspire360 team.

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A Note from Peter & Kathie

The industry is changing rapidly and we are here to help you sift through all the noise and get to the good stuff. Every month, we'll bring you trending topics and the inside scoop that we believe is paramount for fitness professionals to know.

Keep Inspiring,

Peter & Kathie Davis

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