Over the years, I’ve talked a lot with clients about how muscles are like the “shock absorbers” we have on our cars. They lengthen to absorb force and they shorten to create force. 

When they perform well, the muscles sufficiently create and absorb force in a way that ensures other soft tissues, ligaments, and tendons do not take on undue stress. 

When they perform less than optimally, our risk for injury, stiffness, and pain increases, because there is more stress going to places that are not designed for it.

In this way, muscles are very much like our armor, physically. They absorb force and absorb stress to protect other areas of our body, helping our bodies to feel better in movement and athletic performance.

The health benefits of muscle (and using our muscles) go far beyond physical. Muscle acts as “armor” across almost every aspect of our health. Here are 3 slightly less obvious ways that muscle protects our body, and most important systems, at every stage of life.

You've probably heard the message by now.

“Build muscle.”

“Maintain your muscle mass.”

“Do everything you can to stay strong as you age.”

And for good reason.

Muscle does far more than change the way the body looks. It helps us lift, climb, carry, balance, and move through the world.

It also contributes to metabolic health and provides part of the physical reserve that allows us to continue doing the things we enjoy as the years go on.