Planes, Trains, and Human Gains: Why Movement Keeps Us Strong
When it comes to most machines, such as cars, the rule is simple: the more you use them, the faster they wear down. Over time, friction, heat, and repetitive stress cause parts to degrade. A car with 200,000 miles on it is almost always in worse condition than one with 20,000 miles. This understanding makes intuitive sense—after all, constant usage leads to inevitable breakdown. However, airplanes defy this logic in a fascinating way. Like our bodies, planes are machines that paradoxically degrade faster when they sit idle.
Airplanes are marvels of engineering, designed to endure immense stress, fluctuating pressure, and extreme temperature changes. Yet, despite their robustness, they suffer more from inactivity than from regular use. When left unused for extended periods, planes face several issues: corrosion builds up due to trapped moisture, fuel tanks become contaminated, seals crack, and electrical systems deteriorate. In essence, planes need movement to maintain optimal functionality. The pressurization and vibration from flying redistribute lubricants, keep hydraulic systems in good condition, and reduce the buildup of damaging moisture. In this way, airplanes require consistent operation to stay in their best shape.
Remarkably, our bodies work on a similar principle—but with an even more profound twist. Unlike most machines, our bodies don't just maintain function with regular use; they actually improve. Muscles grow stronger, bones become denser, and our cardiovascular system becomes more efficient when we consistently challenge them. Conversely, inactivity accelerates deterioration. Muscles atrophy, bone density declines, and flexibility diminishes when we don't move. Just as a plane left in storage is more vulnerable to corrosion, a sedentary body becomes more susceptible to chronic diseases, joint pain, and fatigue.
Running and walking are prime examples of how regular movement can keep the body in peak condition. Running boosts cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and lungs, increasing stamina, and improving circulation. It also helps build muscle and bone density, which is essential for maintaining strength as we age. Walking, often underrated, is equally powerful. It promotes joint health, enhances balance, and supports mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety. Studies show that individuals who walk or run regularly experience lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
What makes the human body even more extraordinary is its ability to adapt and grow stronger regardless of age. While it is true that aging comes with inevitable biological changes, the degree of decline is highly influenced by lifestyle choices. Studies consistently show that individuals who remain physically active well into their later years retain greater muscle mass, bone density, and cognitive function than those who don't. In other words, movement is not just maintenance for the body—it is a mechanism for regeneration.
This unique characteristic sets our bodies apart from even the most sophisticated machines. Planes require consistent use to avoid accelerated degradation, but they do not get stronger or better over time. Our bodies, however, respond to consistent use by not only slowing down the aging process but by reversing aspects of it. Strength training, for example, can rebuild muscle mass lost to aging. Cardiovascular exercise improves heart health, and flexibility routines help maintain joint function.
The message is clear: movement is medicine. Whether you're 20 or 73, as in the case of those who continue to achieve incredible physical feats well into their senior years, it's never too late to start moving. Like airplanes, our bodies are built to be used—but unlike any machine, the more we use them, the stronger we become.
