Muscle as Medicine: Why Building & Preserving Muscle is the Key to Aging Well

Muscle as Medicine: Why Building & Preserving Muscle is the Key to Aging Well

When most people think about staying healthy as they age, they think about diet, heart health, or blood pressure - but muscle is quickly becoming the unsung hero of longevity medicine. At Performance Medical Clinic, we take a proactive, science-backed approach to aging well and one of our biggest priorities is helping patients build and maintain muscle to extend both lifespan and healthspan (the number of years you live in good health).

Muscle Isn’t Just for Looks. It’s a Vital Organ of Longevity. 

As we age, we naturally begin to lose muscle - a condition called sarcopenia. Starting around age 30, adults can lose up to 3-8% of muscle mass per decade. This loss accelerates after age 60 and is one of the leading drivers of weakness, falls, frailty, insulin resistance, and metabolic decline.

But here’s the good news: muscle loss is preventable and reversible with the right strategy.

Muscle acts as a:

• Metabolic engine that helps regulate blood sugar and insulin

• Reservoir of amino acids to support immunity, healing, and stress response

• Protector against fat gain and inflammation

• Driver of strength, mobility, balance, and independence

At Performance Medical Clinic, we believe in treating muscle like medicine. Here’s how we do it:

1. Resistance Training: The Foundation of Muscle Preservation

Resistance training (aka strength training) is the most effective way to stimulate muscle growth and prevent sarcopenia. It’s not just for bodybuilders - it’s essential for everyone, especially as we age.

We help our patients develop strength protocols based on:

• Age, experience, and mobility

• Lab data (like testosterone, cortisol, and inflammatory markers)

• Health goals (longevity, body composition, joint support, etc.)

Whether you’re using weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises, two to three strength sessions per week can be transformative.

2. Creatine: The Longevity Supplement You Didn’t Know You Needed

Once thought of as just a gym supplement, creatine monohydrate is now being recognized for its role in:

• Increasing muscle strength and mass

• Supporting brain health and cognition

• Enhancing cellular energy and recovery

• Reducing fatigue and inflammation

At Performance Medical Clinic, we often recommend creatine as part of our personalized longevity protocols. It’s safe, affordable, and incredibly effective when combined with strength training - especially in adults over 40.

3. Protein Optimization: Fueling Muscle Maintenance

Most people aren’t eating enough high-quality protein, especially older adults. Protein is essential for muscle repair, hormonal balance, and metabolic health.

We provide personalized protein recommendations based on:

• Body weight and activity level

• Kidney function and lab data

• Specific health goals

Our patients often benefit from:

• Increased daily protein intake (often 100g+ depending on needs)

• Spaced protein intake across meals

• Targeted supplementation with amino acids or protein powders

Bonus: How We Monitor Muscle at Performance Medical Clinic

We don’t just hope you’re preserving muscle… we track it! Our advanced lab testing and body composition analysis allow us to monitor:

• Hormone levels (testosterone, growth hormone, DHEA)

• Inflammation and nutrient status

• Lean mass, visceral fat, and muscle-to-fat ratios

This helps us fine-tune your plan in real time and ensure you’re getting results - not just effort.

Bottom Line: If You Want to Age Well, Prioritize Muscle

Muscle isn’t a vanity goal - it’s a vital sign of longevity. At Performance Medical Clinic in Edwardsville, we help men and women build stronger, healthier bodies at every age with targeted training, smart supplementation, and personalized medical support.