By Henri Schmidt, CEO and Founder of VBTec/Visionbody, Muscle Expert
Longevity and biohacking are, without a doubt, fascinating topics.
I would never claim that they are nonsense. On the contrary, there is a great deal of research, innovative thinking, and valuable insights behind them. Humanity has been wondering how to live longer for thousands of years. Even the ancient Egyptians were already thinking about how to extend life. In that sense, the desire for longevity is as old as humanity itself.
Yet, in today’s conversation, one key factor is often overlooked: the role of muscle in supporting long-term health and resilience.
Why longevity has become a market
We should not forget one important thing: longevity has become a multi-billion-dollar industry. It is a market that demands attention. In that market, we hear a lot of grand statements, a lot of buzzwords, and a lot of ideas that sound spectacular.
That isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's interesting to explore new approaches, experiment, and gain a better understanding of our own bodies.
The problem with skipping the basics
But amid all this excitement, something essential is often overlooked: the foundation.
Many people want to try the latest biohack before mastering the basics. It’s a bit like someone trying to play a complex piano sonata before they can even play a simple children’s song.
The habits that matter more than the hype
In fundamental medicine and health science, well-being always starts with the basic building blocks the body needs to function properly.
One of these pillars is the supply of essential nutrients. There are approximately 47 essential substances that the body needs every day to function optimally. Without this foundation, no system in the body can function at its best.
Another important factor is protein intake. A steady supply of protein is essential for many biological processes involved in regeneration, performance, and cellular function.
Then there is something very simple, yet extremely powerful: sleep.
Many people try to improve their sleep with gadgets and biohacks before they’ve even managed to get a consistent night’s sleep.
Why Muscle Still Wins
There is another key aspect of the discussion on longevity that is often overlooked: muscle.
Muscle tissue is not just about aesthetics or athletic performance. It is one of the most important biological assets we have. Muscle plays a critical role in metabolism, glucose regulation, hormonal balance, resilience, and overall health as we age.
In fact, many researchers today describe muscle as one of the most important organs for longevity.
Without sufficient muscle mass and regular strength training, many other approaches—whether supplements, biohacks, or therapies—lose much of their potential effectiveness.
Why Biohacking Strategies Cannot Replace Strength Training
You can try red light therapy, cold exposure, supplements, or other advanced methods. But if your body lacks muscle and physical strength, the biological foundation isn't there.
Muscle training is therefore not just a fitness activity. It is a cornerstone of health, resilience, and longevity, even when applied using principles such as theminimum effective dose for strength training.
Of course, all of these areas can be optimized and refined over time. Technology, biohacking, and longevity research can provide fascinating insights and tools. But the key question should always be: Is the foundation in place?
Biohacking can be exciting. Longevity is a fascinating field, and we will certainly discuss these topics here as well.
But my message today is simple: Don't forget the basics.
Longevity isn't built on spectacular quick fixes or futuristic gadgets alone. It starts with the biological fundamentals that have always mattered: nutrition, sleep, and muscle.
Technology can support these foundations, but it cannot replace them. If we truly want to live longer and stay strong while doing so, we must start with the most powerful organ for longevity that we have, our muscles.
I’m Henri Schmidt, CEO and founder of VBTec/Visionbody. For more than 35 years, I have worked in the fitness, health, and sports technology industry, focusing on how muscle strength supports performance, resilience, and long-term health. I developed the world’s first fully wireless whole-body EMS training system and continue to explore how muscle can serve as one of the most important foundations of longevity.
