Poking at the boundaries of what we can handle, without being reckless, can serve us well into our twilight years.

I like to say that we need a microdose of risk for our longevity.

It’s well understood that resistance training is beneficial for our physical health as we age. But it’s also a winner when it comes to preserving cognitive health.

Sadly, it won’t make you more intelligent. You’ll have to blame or praise your genetics and those early years of nurture for your IQ points.

But neuroscientists are continually adding to the pile of evidence that resistance training can have positive effects on brain function and mental health.

Because when we lift, we’re not just asking something of our muscles. We’re coordinating and judging too.

So perhaps that mind-muscle connection becomes even more important as we get older.

Keep giving your body problems to solve.

Keep poking at your boundaries.