GYMS: THE NEW LONGEVITY CENTERS

HOW GYMS SUPPORT LIFELONG HEALTH AND VITALITY

By Erin Phelan

Step inside a gym in 2025 and it will be a scene not unlike a family reunion. The squat rack might have a lengthy line up of Gen Zs taking selfies, next to their new favorite guy – their 70-year-old gym buddy. The pursuit of longevity has become more than just a trend—it is a lifestyle choice. While we are now living longer lives, due to advancements in medicine and technology, research consistently shows that physical activity is one of the most powerful tools we have to extend both lifespan and health span – the number of healthy years we have, free of pain and disease.

Gyms used to be places to lose weight and get strong. Now they are a one-stop longevity shop.

1. Gyms Have Strength Training: The Cornerstone of Longevity

Yes, you need to walk 6,000-12,000 steps per day to live a long and healthy life. But you need to do more than that, you need to lift weights, and that happens in the gym. Strength training zones in the gym are no longer dominated by bodybuilders— anyone looking to improve their health span is lifting. Studies show that engaging in strength training at least twice a week can significantly reduce the risk of all-cause mortality. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, individuals who performed regular strength training had a 23% reduction in premature death and a 31% reduction in cancer-related deaths.

Strength training helps preserve lean muscle mass, which naturally declines with age. This decline, known as sarcopenia, is linked to frailty, increased fall risk, and loss of independence. By maintaining muscle strength, individuals can improve mobility, balance, and metabolic health, all of which contribute to a longer, healthier life.

How Gyms Support Longevity:

• Consistency: Gyms help members stay consistent to get at least two sessions per week, which is essential for longevity.

• Progressive overload: Strength training equipment provides options for increasing resistance to challenge muscles to adapt and grow.

• Focus on functional movements: Longevity research shows that functional movement patterns like squats, deadlifts, and presses mimic daily activities, enhancing overall functionality. While you can squat anywhere, what better place than a gym?

2. Gyms Have Trained Professionals: Expert Guidance for Lifelong Health

According to a report in the medical journal The Lancet, inactivity is at a crisis point globally - more than onethird of the world’s adult population are inactive. The report found that 37.2% of Canadians were physically inactive in 2022, which has increased dramatically in the last 20 years (onequarter of Canadians were inactive in 2000).

One of the unique advantages of gyms is access to trained professionals, including kinesiologists, personal trainers, and physiotherapists who can help older clients and newcomers embrace exercise safely. These experts are equipped with the knowledge to design personalized fitness programs that address individual health concerns and goals.

Kinesiologists, in particular, specialize in human movement and can provide tailored exercise prescriptions to prevent injury, improve performance, and manage chronic conditions. One study even highlights the role of supervised exercise programs in improving functional capacity and reducing fall risk among older adults.

How Trained Professionals Improve Longevity:

• Personalized programs: Trainers can design customized workouts that cater to specific health needs, whether it is managing arthritis, recovering from surgery, or improving cardiovascular health.

• Injury prevention: Proper technique and form reduce the risk of exercise-related injuries, ensuring long-term adherence to fitness routines.

• Motivation and accountability: Regular sessions with a professional can keep individuals motivated and on track with their health goals.

3. Gyms Build Community: Social Health and Longevity

Social connections are a critical, yet often overlooked, component of longevity. Gyms serve as social hubs where individuals can connect with like-minded people, fostering a sense of community and belonging. According to research from PLOS Medicine, strong social relationships are associated with a 50% increased likelihood of survival, comparable to the effects of quitting smoking or reducing alcohol consumption.

Group fitness classes, workout buddies, and gym events create opportunities for social interaction, which can reduce stress, improve mental health, and enhance overall well-being. The sense of camaraderie and support found in gym communities can be a powerful motivator, encouraging consistent participation in physical activity. And in a gym, while it might be challenging work there is also the fun factor!

How Gyms Enhance Social Health:

• Group classes: Group classes like yoga, Pilates, spin, and dance based formats are adaptable for all ages and provide both physical benefits and social engagement.

• You can find a workout buddy: We know that exercising with a friend increases accountability and makes workouts more enjoyable and what better place to find a buddy than the gym!

• Group events: Many gyms offer challenges, workshops, and social gatherings that foster a sense of community.

Gyms are far more than places to lift weights or run on a treadmill—they are comprehensive longevity centers that support physical, mental, and social health. By engaging in regular strength training, accessing the expertise of trained professionals, and fostering social connections, individuals can significantly enhance their lifespan and quality of life. Embracing a balanced exercise routine within the supportive environment of a gym can be one of the most powerful steps toward a longer, healthier life.

Erin Phelan is the communications director for Fitness Industry Council of Canada and the marketing and communications specialist for Matrix Fitness Canada. A passionate health and wellness expert, Erin has spent over 25 years in the fitness industry, researching and promoting exercise as medicine. Erin has her own fitness and health community, the FITFAM