Why Your Muscles Matter More Than You Think

July 1, 2025

Muscles are having a moment — and not just in the gym. Science is showing us that strong, well-used muscles play a surprisingly powerful role in your overall wellbeing. They’re like an inhouse wellness team, sending helpful signals throughout your body, boosting energy, regulating your hormones, and even helping us bounce back from stress.

So if you’ve been thinking about moving more or getting stronger — not to look a certain way, but to feel better in your body — this one’s for you.

Meet Your Mitochondria

Mito what? Inside every muscle fibre are microscopic powerhouses called mitochondria. These little dynamos take the food you eat and turn it into energy, helping your body run smoothly. The more you use your muscles — especially through endurance or strength-based movement — the more mitochondria you produce. That means more stamina, better recovery, and more energy for the things you love.

Why Building Muscle is So Important

After the age of 30, we naturally start to lose muscle if we’re not actively maintaining it. That can lead to fatigue, joint issues, slower metabolism, and even a higher risk of injury or illness. The good news? It’s completely reversible — and building or maintaining muscle doesn’t need to mean bootcamps or barbells, unless that’s your vibe.

Movement ideas that support your muscles (and your life):

Brisk walking with a few hills thrown in
Pilates or barre for controlled, muscle-lengthening strength
Yoga with holds and flows to activate deep stabilisers
Resistance training using bands, dumbbells or body weight
Swimming or water walking
Dance (yes, even kitchen disco counts)

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be regular — and ideally a mix of endurance and strength.

The Magic of Myokines

Here’s where things get really interesting. Every time you work your muscles, they release tiny chemical messengers called myokines. These travel through your bloodstream like little wellness warriors:

supporting your immune system – think fewer colds, better recovery, and more resilience to them
improving metabolism – which can help stabilise energy, support hormone balance, and make it easier to maintain a healthy weight
reducing inflammation – which can ease joint pain, boost mood, and lower the risk of chronic disease, and even…
helping your brain work better.

It’s your body’s way of saying, “Thanks for moving me — I’ll return the favour.”

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It’s your body’s way of saying, “Thanks for moving me — I’ll return the favour.”

Two Hours a Week is a Great Place to Start

That’s what the science suggests: about two hours of movement a week that gets your heart rate up and your muscles working. Break it into smaller chunks if that’s what fits your life — it all adds up. Bonus points if it brings you joy or fresh air or time with a friend.

Strong for the Life You Want

This isn’t about chasing some ideal or trying to reverse the clock. It’s about feeling energised and strong to do the things you love — whether that’s lugging a suitcase full of brocante treasures around France (#noregrets), dancing at a concert, or carrying a sleepy child up the stairs.

Muscles make everything easier.