The Wonder of Weightlifting: Breaking Myths and Building Longevity

Stocks drift lower after Powell’s warning on valuations

The quick scan: U.S. markets eased back as investors digested Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments about “fairly high” asset valuations and rising Treasury yields kept pressure on growth stocks.

S&P 500: Fell ~0.3% to 6,637.97, weighed down by weakness in technology and consumer discretionary shares.
Dow Jones: Slipped ~0.4% to 46,121.28, with financials and energy softening after recent strength.
Nasdaq: Dropped ~0.3% to 22,497.86, as mega-cap tech names extended their pullback.

What’s driving it: Powell’s remarks on stretched valuations injected a note of caution into an already extended rally. Higher bond yields and lingering inflation concerns added to the pressure, while traders looked ahead to upcoming economic data for clearer Fed signals.

Bottom line: This looks like a breather, not a breakdown. For L-Plate Retirees, the key is to treat these dips as part of normal market rhythm — stay diversified, avoid chasing yesterday’s winners, and keep your long-term plan in focus.

What Weightlifting Really Does

The scoop: In her TEDx talk The Wonder of Weightlifting, Dr. Jaime Seeman challenges us to rethink what strength training is really about. Weightlifting isn’t just for bodybuilders or twenty-somethings at the gym — it’s a tool for health, independence, and longevity.

She calls muscle a “longevity organ.” Far from being just tissue that helps us move, muscle regulates blood sugar, supports bones and joints, boosts metabolism, and protects us against age-related decline. Without it, our risk of frailty, falls, chronic illness, and loss of independence skyrockets.

One of the biggest threats as we age is sarcopenia — the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength, which can begin as early as our 30s. On average, people lose 3–8% of muscle per decade, and that loss accelerates after 60. Sarcopenia is a silent thief: it makes everyday tasks harder, reduces balance, increases fall risk, and can even shorten lifespan. The good news? Weightlifting is the single most effective way to fight back. Resistance training not only slows sarcopenia — it can reverse it.

Dr. Seeman also busts three big myths about weightlifting for women — myths that many men secretly believe too:

• Myth 1: “I’ll get too bulky.” In reality, women don’t produce enough testosterone to build huge muscles naturally. What they do build is lean, toned strength that protects their health.

• Myth 2: “Cardio is enough.” Walking or jogging has benefits, but it doesn’t stop muscle loss or build the strength needed for daily independence.

• Myth 3: “I’m too old to start.” Studies show people in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s can gain strength and muscle through resistance training. It’s never too late.

Interestingly, Dr. Seeman points out that women may actually have an advantage over men in strength training as they age. Women are naturally more resistant to muscle fatigue and tend to recover faster from workouts. That means older women can often handle higher training volumes with less soreness and injury risk compared to men. In retirement, that’s a real edge: the ability to train consistently, recover quickly, and keep building strength without long downtimes.

Her bottom line is simple: muscle is medicine. Just like brushing your teeth to prevent cavities, lifting weights is how you prevent weakness, frailty, and the slow loss of independence that can creep up with age. Even short, consistent sessions can rebuild confidence, keep bones strong, and make everyday tasks easier.

For L-Plate Retirees, the message couldn’t be clearer — the barbell, dumbbell, or resistance band isn’t just equipment. It’s a ticket to a longer, more vibrant life.

Actionable Takeaways for L-Plate Retirees:

• Don’t fear the weights. You won’t “bulk up,” but you will build life-saving strength.

• Pair cardio with resistance. Walking is great, but it doesn’t replace lifting.

• It’s never too late. Even starting in retirement can reverse years of muscle loss and fight sarcopenia.

• Women: embrace your advantage. Faster recovery and fatigue resistance mean you can often train more consistently than men.

• Focus on function. Exercises like squats, rows, and push-ups mimic movements you need for daily life.

• Build the habit. Two or three sessions a week is enough to see and feel the benefits.

Your Turn:
Have you ever avoided strength training because of one of these myths?
What’s one everyday task (lifting groceries, climbing stairs, getting off the floor) that would feel easier if you were stronger?
Could this be the week you pick up a dumbbell or resistance band and give your “longevity organ” some care?

👉 Hit reply and share your story — your insights could inspire fellow readers in future issues.