Muscle Is Medicine: How Strength Training Builds a Hedge Against Disease

This past year, I’ve watched my mom go through one of the toughest fights of her life—cancer. Chemo, radiation, hormone blockers, and daily medications like Verzenio have all been part of her reality. But so has movement. So has protein. So has muscle.

Even during her treatment, she kept working out. She focused on eating enough to maintain her strength. She continued to build muscle. And today, on the other side of chemo and radiation, she’s not just surviving—she’s strong.

This isn’t just anecdotal. It’s science. Building and maintaining muscle mass is one of the most effective tools we have in the fight against disease.

Here’s Why Muscle Matters

Muscle isn’t just for aesthetics or athletic performance—it’s a powerful protective layer for your health. Here’s what research continues to show:

• Improved Immune Function: Regular resistance training helps regulate the immune system, reducing chronic inflammation and improving the body’s ability to fight off illness.
• Lower Risk of Cancer and Relapse: Muscle mass is associated with better outcomes during cancer treatment. It can reduce side effects, improve tolerance to treatment, and enhance recovery.
• Metabolic Defense: Muscle improves insulin sensitivity, reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes, and helps regulate blood sugar.
• Cardiovascular Health: Strong muscles support your heart, lower blood pressure, and help manage cholesterol.
• Longevity and Quality of Life: Higher muscle mass is linked to lower risk of falls, fractures, disability, and early death.

When we say “muscle is medicine,” we mean it.

The Formula: Exercise + Protein + Consistency

My mom didn’t build her resilience overnight. It was the years of movement, consistency, and nourishing her body that gave her a solid foundation before cancer struck—and the decision to keep going during treatment that helped her stay strong.

What she focused on is what we preach at CrossFit Reincarnation:

• Strength training multiple times a week
• Prioritizing protein intake and whole food nutrition
• Showing up, even on the hard days

This Is Your Wake-Up Call

Too many people wait until something happens—a diagnosis, a scare, a loss—to take their health seriously.

Don’t wait.

Start moving now. Start building now. Start eating like your life depends on it—because it does. Build the hedge now, so you’re not scrambling to build it in a storm.

We’re here to help you do it the right way—with coaching, community, and care.

If you’re ready to take that step, we’re ready to walk with you.