Issue #61: 3 Myths to Weight Training
Good morning. It’s Tuesday, November 8th. It's Election Day - remember to get out there and vote.
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”
From the Lab: 3 Myths to Weight Training
Take Action: Put "Health & Longevity Time" on the Calendar
Speed Read: Can AI Beat Bobby Flay?
Tuesday QR: Chocolate Banana Bread
Bucket List: El Capitan
The tallest summit in North America - Denali stands at 20,310 feet or 6,191 meters. Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the US outside of Alaska, at 14,505', with a host of Colorado fourteeners on its heels.
From the Lab
Sometimes it’s just easier to go for a walk or even a run and skip the gym. Let’s be honest there is a real commitment to going to the gym - even when you get there sometimes you feel like hopping on the treadmill or bike with an audiobook and avoid the free weights or machines.
That’s just one reason why 70% of Americans don’t hit the weights (or even body weight exercises) enough.
But as we saw yesterday (Issue #60), muscle and bone strength is one of the most important ways we can live a long and active life.
So let’s debunk a few myths and maybe make it a little easier to feel the pump.
Myth #1 - You Need an Hour at the Gym
Don’t treat a trip to the gym like an NFL football game - the game lasts 3 hours and 12 minutes, but there’s only 60 min of game time, and really only 18 minutes when the ball is actually in play. That's nearly 3 hours of nothing!
How long does it take to complete this very legit workout - 3 rounds of 10 barbell deadlifts, 10 weighted squats, 10 single-leg lunges? Probably less than live action of that NFL game.
Myth #2 - You Need to go to the Gym
There are not only a ton of virtual fitness programs to keep you going at home (ahem - TMAC Fitness), but even pushing yourself to exhaustion with any bodyweight exercise will absolutely build strength: squats, push-ups, sit-ups, dips, pull-ups.
Just make sure you do your best Arnold impression and get 1 more after you think you can’t do anymore. 💪
Myth #3 - Lifting Weights Will Make Me Too Big
This is a real fear for some people. Trust me when I tell you that this fear is about the same as you shouldn’t work because you’ll make too much money. Yes, you can go crazy with your workout regimen and optimize your protein muscle synthesis, but for us mere mortals it will just give us a stronger body frame, hopefully some definition, and increased confidence in ourselves.*
*Stay tuned and we'll talk about how weight training supports stable weight or even weight loss.
Take Action
Thrive25 Partner Spotlight
I'm super excited to tell you about SANS Meal Bar. I've been enjoying them for years! It's an incredible alternative to the standard meal replacement drink or powders that typically have long ingredient lists and added sugars.
Their meal bars provide a full meal (almost 400 calories) from ingredients that are simple and recognizable - such as nuts, seeds, fruits, and eggs.
Plus, they gave us an amazing deal! ALL Thrive25 readers get 50% off your first 12 pack of meal bars AND free shipping. Click HERE and use code THRIVE at checkout!*
*Discount only applies to (1) 12 Pack and does not apply to subscription orders
Speed Read
Health & Longevity in the News
Could 'magic mushrooms' treat severe depression?: A major study aims to find out. It's the first time a clinical trial of the hallucinogen has reached Phase 3, one of the last steps necessary before an experimental drug can go to the FDA for regulatory approval. (NBC News)
Can AI Beat Bobby Flay?: Probably not in the kitchen anytime soon, but maybe with the menu? AI can analyze thousands of recipes, cooking techniques and reviews - and develop an “optimized” recipe. But can OpenAI’s GPT-3 compete in the ultimate showdown - Thanksgiving? The verdict - no, with one judge saying “there is no soul behind it.” (NYTimes)
Gift Guide for People Who Love the Outdoors: From water bottles, to composters, to hoodies to onesies - this is actually one holiday list that's worth checking out. Exclusively from B-Corps, you'll definitely find something for anyone that likes to get out in nature. (Gift Guide)
Tuesday QR (Quick Recipe)
Wait a healthy chocolate banana bread - how can that possibly taste good? I know I know, but trust me it's kid-tested and Thrive25 approved. Healthy fats, lots of protein, super spices (cinnamon), and low in sugar. Impress your friends & family during the holidays!
Thanks to one of our favorite Functional Medicine doctor/author/chefs - Dr. Kara Fitzgerald!
Bucket List
Talk about testing your strength - how about rock climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Standing at 3,000 ft above the valley floor, El Capitan is naturally photogenic and an extreme climbing challenge. (Plan your trip)
No - you don't have to free solo it like Alex Honnold. In fact, we 100% advise against it. But you should check out the Academy Award Winning Documentary on Disney+. (Trailer)
Thanks for joining us today! See it's easy to get in some strength training at home. 😅
Check out the latest workout videos on our YouTube channel
Got feedback? Tell us what you think at team@thrive25.com
Want this direct to your inbox? Sign up here
Why Thrive25
We’re 40-something dads that felt our bodies and minds start to slow down and we’re not ready for that. We found too much information on every subject. So we started Thrive25 to transform what we’ve learned into something useful for the rest of us to spend just 3-5 min a day to optimize our health & longevity.
This newsletter is for you and we truly value your feedback. Never hesitate to reach out to us at team@thrive25.com.
To health!
Sign up for free:
The information in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and may not be appropriate or applicable based on your individual circumstances. Thrive25 Labs LLC does not provide medical, professional, or licensed advice. Please connect with your healthcare professional for medical advice specific to your health needs.