Have you ever wished your body came with a manual? Something that explained how to keep it running at its best, how to avoid breakdowns, and how to unlock its full potential? That’s exactly what Dr. David Quartell set out to do in The Body User Manual — and one of the most powerful chapters focuses on athletic ability.
Here’s the surprising truth: your athletic ability has nothing to do with being an athlete. Instead, it’s the foundation of how long and how well you live. Think of it as your body’s performance report card, and unlike the number on the bathroom scale, it actually predicts your independence, vitality, and resilience.
Breaking Down Athletic Ability
Dr. Quartell defines athletic ability as the combination of two major factors:
- Endurance — your body’s internal “engine.” How long can it keep you moving, whether it’s climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or playing with your kids?
- Mobility — your freedom to move efficiently and without pain. Mobility rests on flexibility, strength, and balance working together.
When endurance and mobility are strong, everyday life feels easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Why It Matters at Every Age
Research highlighted in the book shows that even people over 90 can improve muscle strength and stamina in just a few weeks. That means it’s never too late to begin. The bigger danger isn’t age — it’s injury. As Dr. Quartell points out, injuries can start a downward spiral of inactivity, deconditioning, and loss of independence. That’s why staying injury-free is the golden rule for lifelong vitality.
The Two Big Hurdles
Athletic ability is more than fitness — it’s your defense against two major hurdles of aging:
- Chronic disease — the “four horsemen”: cancer, heart disease, mental decline, and metabolic syndrome.
- Frailty — the loss of endurance and mobility that strips away independence.
By maintaining and improving athletic ability, you’re building resilience against both.
Simple Ways to Measure Where You Are
Dr. Quartell’s approach is practical and accessible. Simple tests like:
- Sit-to-stand (how many times in one minute)
- Push-ups (upper body and core strength)
- Balance (standing on one leg)
- Deep squat (flexibility, strength, and balance combined)
These aren’t just tests; they’re exercises in themselves and provide an objective starting point. Measuring progress builds confidence and momentum — even small wins prove your body is improving.
From Surviving to Thriving
Ultimately, measuring and building your athletic ability is about more than fitness. It’s about independence, freedom, and living the life you want for as long as possible. Imagine reaching 100 not frail and dependent, but vibrant and capable. That’s the vision inside The Body User Manual by Dr. David Quartell.
Want to dive deeper? 🎧
If you’d like to hear more on this topic, head over to our podcast! You can find it here:
Youtube: https://youtu.be/SkqhNE4q7Xs
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ZwULnKFLib5VF2lFjGb6A?si=48955d85cc224ab9
Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-not-about-living-longer-its-about-living-better/id1836785050?i=1000726404700
🎧 You can listen to the full conversation in our latest podcast episode, where we bring Dr. Quartell’s insights to life. And if you want the complete roadmap, the book is available now on Amazon.