Renowned longevity specialist Dr. Peter Attia revealed a test that might predict how healthy you can expect to be when you are older.
The social media-famous physician, who has appeared on popular podcasts like the Joe Rogan Experience, said a simple two-minute test might reveal pertinent insight into how healthy you age. Attia told his followers on TikTok that men and women in their 40s and 50s should be able to hold a certain amount of weight in each hand for 60 seconds.
Attia said women should be able to carry 75% of their body weight in both hands combined, while men should aim to carry 100%.
For example, a man weighing 200 lbs should be able to hold 100 lbs in each hand for at least one minute.
This exercise is commonly referred to as a farmer’s carry. As a regiment, practitioners of this move will often complete a few sets holding heavy weight in each hand, typically while walking a short distance.
According to Attia, the ability to manipulate heavier weights likely translates to better strength later in life. Being able to complete these benchmarks, says Attia, means a higher likelihood of being able to still perform daily tasks at an older age, like the simple act of opening a jar. Ultimately, he claims, it enables you to “do the types of things we think really matter to people.”
Even if you cannot complete the test today, you can begin training to improve your strength. Dr. Attia suggests starting conservatively and aiming for 20 seconds before increasing your target time and weight.
As recently reported in The Dallas Express, effective strength training can be accomplished with just two sessions a week. By engaging in load-bearing exercises, you can help slow and even reverse muscle loss occurring naturally around age 30.