How Do We Train for Longevity?
At Life Is Movement Clinic in Brighton & Hove, we take a different approach to fitness — one that prioritises health, resilience, and long-term vitality over aesthetics or short-term goals.
So the question is: how do we train not just to look good — but to live longer and move better, for life?
The answer lies in the science of longevity — and in particular, the physical metrics that most strongly predict how well we’ll age. These aren’t based on guesswork. They’re grounded in compelling research, including the work of physician and longevity expert Dr. Peter Attia, who highlights how certain physical capacities are far more predictive of long-term health and independence than any blood test.
Here’s what the science — and our experience at Life Is Movement — tells us matters most:
1. VO₂ Max – Your Engine for Longevity
Your VO₂ max is your body’s maximum ability to use oxygen during exercise — a key measure of cardiorespiratory fitness. It’s not just for elite athletes; it’s one of the strongest predictors of lifespan.
📉 A low VO₂ max is associated with a significantly higher risk of death from all causes.
✅ A high VO₂ max (top 2% of your age group) can reduce your risk of all-cause mortality by up to 80%.
How we train it at Life Is Movement:
Progressive conditioning plans tailored to your current fitness level
VO₂ max testing and personalised aerobic training blocks
2. Zone 2 Cardio – The Longevity Sweet Spot
Zone 2 training is the foundation of cardiovascular health. It builds mitochondrial density, improves fat metabolism, and enhances recovery — all essential for ageing well.
🧠 It’s also deeply linked to improved cognitive function, blood sugar regulation, and energy levels.
How we build it:
Low-intensity cardio sessions based on heart rate zones
Walk-run intervals or cycling along Hove promenade
Programming that respects your starting point and progresses sustainably
3. Grip Strength – A Surprisingly Powerful Predictor
Grip strength isn’t just about forearms — it’s a proxy for whole-body strength and vitality. Studies consistently show that weaker grip strength is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease, disability, and death.
How we improve it:
Deadlifts, farmer’s carries, and kettlebell work
Hanging and pulling exercises (scaled for all abilities)
Fine motor skill drills for older clients or post-injury rehab
4. Thigh Strength – The Engine of Movement
Strong thighs mean more than just power — they’re a marker of mobility, stability, and independence in later life. Low leg strength is linked to falls, hospitalisation, and frailty.
Our approach at the clinic:
Squats (bodyweight to barbell, depending on ability)
Lunges, step-ups, and glute bridges
Functional movement coaching to correct poor form and avoid injury
5. Balance & Stability – The Quiet Lifesaver
Balance may not feel ‘sexy’ to train — but it’s vital. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and loss of independence in adults over 60. Maintaining balance and proprioception can literally be life-saving.
What we focus on:
Single-leg balance drills and progression
Eyes-closed or unstable surface training
Dynamic movement patterns and reactive drills
Combining balance with light cognitive tasks (like memory or reaction games)
6. Movement Quality – Because How You Move Matters
We look at how you move just as much as what you lift or how fast you go. Poor motor control, posture, and joint mobility can lead to chronic pain, injury, and wear-and-tear over time.
We assess and train for:
Postural alignment and joint mechanics
Core stability and breathing technique
Movement screens to catch problems early
Why This Matters in Brighton & Hove
Here in Brighton & Hove, we’re lucky to have access to incredible outdoor spaces — the beach, the Downs, the parks. But if your body isn’t working the way it should, it’s hard to enjoy any of it.
At Life Is Movement, we take pride in helping people across the city rediscover what their bodies are capable of — whether you’re returning to exercise after injury, managing a health condition, or simply want to stay active and independent for the long haul.
Ready to Start Training for Longevity?
If you're looking for a physiotherapy and movement clinic in Brighton & Hove that helps you build real, long-lasting health — not just burn calories — we’re here to help.
Come in for a full movement and strength assessment, and let’s build a plan to keep you moving well, living longer, and doing what you love — for decades to come.
👉 Book your initial consultation today
Because life is movement — and the better you move, the better you live.
