Mind & Body -
Wellness Strategies for all ages
Fred Dyck
November 19, 2025
The health and wellness world loves trends and fads. Think Jane Fonda aerobics in the 1980s or Tae Bo in the 1990s. CrossFit seemed like a fad but evolved over 20 years, reshaping gyms worldwide and introducing countless people to the barbell. Lately, fitness influencers on social media have popularized the term “longevity.” It’s clearly trending—so is it just another fad? Here is how I see it.
At its most basic, longevity programming in fitness is simply the choice of training protocols focused on long-term goals. That’s it. When you look at that definition, longevity training has always been part of many people’s goals.
The increased emphasis may be due to the baby boomer generation reaching retirement age, resulting in more people focused on living healthy in the later stages of life. It’s also likely influenced by the sedentary nature of modern life, which leads to physical deficiencies from too much time on the couch. Additionally, science and research are slowly shifting toward prevention. This shift, combined with other factors, seems to be driving increased longevity interest.
Dr. Peter Attia is arguably the most recognized longevity influencer. For a snapshot of his approach, watch his recent 60 Minutes segment from October. In that 20-minute feature, he explains why he trains to maintain strength, energy, and fitness well into old age—maximizing long-term independence and health.
In his book Outlive, Attia discusses the longevity curve and how followers of longevity programming aim to “square” the curve. The curve refers to how our physical life progresses until around age 75, when things often start to change. At this point, physical life becomes harder, and the loss of function accelerates. With strong, effective longevity-focused training, we can potentially transform that last decade from marginal to what Attia calls a “bonus decade.”
The best longevity influencers back their claims with science. They emphasize the long-term benefits of resistance training—specifically, lifting heavy weights—and how proper heart training reduces risks associated with aging. They also use tests and benchmarks to assess your current condition and track progress. Attia does this through five key measures:
The Dead Hang
The Farmer's Carry
The Wall Sit
The Air Squat
VO2 Max Assessment
The dead hang and farmer’s carry measure grip strength, which studies link to lower mortality risk and better overall strength. The wall sit and bodyweight squat are critical for mobility and independence as we age. VO₂ Max is widely considered the best measure of heart health related to longevity and disease prevention. These tests are valuable predictors of long-term health.
These tests are simple benchmarks, not something to fear. While standards exist for comparison, the real goal is tracking your own progress. A program that builds heart health and covers basic movements—push, pull, hinge, squat, and carry—sets you up for success.
Attia isn’t the only influencer worth following. I track several great sources and would love to hear yours. Dr. Andy Galpin offers excellent insights, especially on high performance. Dr. Stuart Phillips of McMaster University regularly posts science-backed content, cutting through misinformation—he’s a true expert on protein consumption. And don’t overlook local guidance: I rely on my doctor, physio, and trusted trainers and kinesiologists.
For me, the focus on longevity training is smart programming that aligns with people’s goals. A solid, well-informed “longevity coach” will advise resistance training, heart health exercises, mobility work, and guide these goals with a long-term vision of success. Combine this with realistic progressive overload and incremental improvements, and you have a great path forward. With good programming and consistent training, we can all work to square that curve.
Fred Dyck
Fred’s passion for fitness runs deep. After eight years leading YWCA Saskatoon’s health programs, he’s known for making workouts both fun and effective. A personal trainer who calls himself a health coach, Fred focuses on functional movement and real-life fitness. You’ll find him in the weight room squatting and deadlifting, out on long runs, or on the pickleball court—always practicing what he teaches.
Fred’s certifications and training as a health coach include:
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Education
- Certified Personal Trainer with CanFitPro
- Certified Ready State Mobility Coach – Level One
- Certified with Functional Movement Systems (FMS)
If you’d like to learn more or have any questions, just drop Fred an email.
