Muscular strength is the overall force production required by our muscle fibers to overcome a certain amount of resistance. Each fiber has a specific amount of force capacity. This amount of energy can be measured and provide us with a quantitative value of strength. Furthermore, strength is required to move. Imagine the body as a complex system of levers and pulleys. The muscles contract and pulls the bone, which enables movement. In a basic sense, the more strength we attain the easier it is to move.

Muscular endurance is the same concept with regards to time. It’s our muscle’s ability to maintain that force capacity throughout an extended duration of time. Increasing muscular strength and endurance can improve performance and physical fitness. Additional benefits include improving joint health and bone density, cardiovascular strength, lower body fat percentage which can decrease overall risk for disease, improve metabolic function and insulin sensitivity, heightening cognitive performance and mental acuity, and improve overall quality of life.

While increasing muscular strength and endurance are important aspects of health, I believe the most vital aspect of attaining optimal health is nutrition. The quality and types of food we consume has a direct impact on our well-being. Eliminating ultra-processed food and vegetable/seed oil is a great place to start. Becoming more conscious of where and how our food is sourced, its quality, nutrient density, and the bioavailability of vitamins and minerals are vital to improving our quality of life.