#StrengthTraining

A retired 74-year-old man’s steadfast commitment to daily exercise over ten years has become a model for boosting energy, health, and longevity—a routine now gaining the approval of medical experts and trainers worldwide. Vincent ‘Vin’ DiMonte of Rhode Island, whose story appeared recently in Business Insider, highlights the power of combining strength training and cardio as key pillars for healthy aging and vibrant living, a message resonant among Thai seniors and fitness newcomers alike Business Insider.

Deciding whether to prioritize strength training or cardio is a question that plagues gym-goers and health-seekers worldwide, and Thai fitness enthusiasts are no exception. A recent article in GQ (GQ, 2025), along with a slew of emerging research, sheds new light on the debate, suggesting that a smart balance—not picking sides—is the true key to lifelong health, effective weight loss, and even brain wellness as we age. As Thailand faces its own health challenges, understanding how to tailor our routines to these findings is both timely and relevant.

Could three simple exercises help you live a longer, healthier life? According to renowned trainer Ollie Thompson, the key to “living better for longer” might be hiding in your gym routine. In a recent interview with The Independent, Thompson—founder of the performance-based health company Welltolead—singlehandedly champions resistance training as a crucial pillar for promoting health, longevity, and vibrancy in later life, saying, “the benefits of maintaining healthy muscle are highly underrated” (The Independent).

In a bold and refreshingly candid critique of conventional gym wisdom, exercise scientist Dr Mike Israetel has shared his thoughts on common workout moves many Thais might be relying on, warning that five popular exercises simply don’t deliver the results people expect. Speaking to Men’s Health UK, Dr Israetel emphasises that while no exercise is inherently “stupid,” some are much less effective than others—an important revelation for Thai fitness enthusiasts eager to maximise their time at the gym or during home workouts (source).

Striving for a longer, healthier life may be as simple as adding just three key exercises to your weekly routine, according to leading fitness experts and new research trends. Ollie Thompson, a renowned personal trainer and founder of Welltolead, has sparked discussion across the health community with his claim that growing stronger through resistance training isn’t just about muscle—it’s central to extending your “healthspan,” allowing you to “live better for longer” and remain physically independent into old age. This message, detailed in a recent feature in The Independent, highlights a trio of exercises that deliver outsized benefits for joint health, balance, posture, and overall vitality, in line with mounting scientific evidence from around the globe (The Independent).

With the modern Thai lifestyle busier than ever—balancing work, family, and travel through the endless Bangkok traffic—finding time to exercise can feel impossible. However, a recent analysis by exercise scientist Dr. Mike Israetel, shared widely via social media and news outlets, offers hope: you don’t need hours in the gym to see dramatic gains in strength and muscle size. According to Dr. Israetel, the secret lies not in gym duration but in “smart exercise selection”—specifically, choosing movements that provide maximum effect in minimum time. This development is especially relevant to Thais seeking efficient and effective paths toward better health amidst packed daily schedules (Yahoo Lifestyle, 2025).