Functional nutritionist Iafelice examines the connection between muscle and longevity in this polished debut. Characterizing muscle as “the key organ in our bodies that drives robust health and healthy aging,” he offers an in-depth look at preserving it for the long haul, digging into the science behind why it may be the best predictor of fitness and exploring its role in preventing a host of diseases—including metabolic heavy hitters like Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Iafelice rounds out the book with dietary recommendations, tackling the carbs versus protein debate, and outlines the type of exercise most beneficial to building and sustaining muscle.Iafelice sounds the alarm on several dangerous habits, the most prominent being a sedentary lifestyle, urging followers to get up and start moving (“Exercise is mandatory, not optional” he writes) but also cautions against wasting time with exercise that probably won’t produce the desired results. High-intensity interval training is his go-to recommendation, and he advocates for exercise when fasting to achieve the best results, with the warning that fasting may not be indicated for some populations (children, the elderly, and pregnant women, among others). Iafelice acknowledges upfront that some of his advice goes against the grain: he’s adamant that high-quality animal protein is superior to plant-based protein, and he works hard to debunk the myth that meat contributes to chronic disease.
Readers looking for hands-on help will appreciate Iafelice’s inclusion of sample meal plans and exercise options in the appendix, particularly the photographs that clearly demonstrate the correct way to perform each movement. His dedication to the science driving his theories shines through throughout, as when he dives into technical jargon like sarcopenia-the loss of muscle over time with aging-but does so with precision and finesse. This is a well-researched, energetic call to action, as in Iafelice’s own words, “we don’t slow down because we’re getting old—we get old because we slow down.”
Takeaway: A call to action detailing the link between muscle health and human longevity.
Great for fans of: Michael Matthews’s Muscle for Life, Austin Current’s Science of Strength Training.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
