Building an Old Person Body

We’re Not Building Summer Bodies. We’re Building Old People Bodies.

Yes, we need to work on our old people body: hear me out!

As the weather warms up and the layers start coming off, the familiar chatter returns:

"Time to get in shape for summer." "Gotta build my summer body."

If you’ve said it out loud recently and noticed one of us raise an eyebrow—or flat out roll our eyes—sorry, not sorry. It's not that I don't understand where you're coming from. We've all felt the pull of “summer body” pressure at some point. But around here at Vos, we're not here for the quick-fix, short-term, hyper-focused-on-abs version of health.

We’re here for the long haul.

The Problem with the “Summer Body” Mentality

Let’s call it what it is: the summer body mindset is often a crash-course in stress, restriction, and unsustainable habits. It kicks in around April, fizzles out by July, when the cocktails & BBQ are too tempting to keep resitricting and repeats again next year. It’s the hallmark of diet culture—short-term, shame-driven, and deeply disconnected from actual well-being.

At Vos, we don’t believe in flipping a switch every time swimsuit season rolls around. Health isn’t seasonal. It’s not a 30-day challenge or a cleanse. It’s a practice. And it’s one we want to carry us through not just summer, but the next 60+ summers (that will make me 106 - yikes).

What We Are Building: Longevity

Not just more years in your life—but more life in your years.

Some of us on the team have big goals: we’re talking 100, 106, maybe 114 (Bryan’s personal benchmark). But we don’t just want to live longer—we want to live vibrantly, actively, and independently. We want to be the 80-year-olds who are hiking with friends, dancing at weddings, and keeping up with (or outpacing) the grandkids.

And that takes intention. That takes care. That takes showing up now.

Not because we’re chasing a beach body. But because we’re investing in our future selves.

Your Game Plan

So how do you shift out of the summer-body scramble and into a long-game mindset?

Here’s our practical, real-life longevity game plan:

1. Move Most Days

This isn’t about punishing your body—it’s about keeping it capable. Movement supports joint health, cardiovascular function, cognitive clarity, and emotional balance. Whether it's walking, lifting, dancing, stretching—just move. Often.

2. Eat for Energy and Nourishment

Ditch the “what do I need to cut out?” mindset and start asking, “what can I add in?” More protein. More fiber. More color. More water. Food is fuel, yes—but it’s also joy, connection, and medicine. Want a cookie, enjoy it! Just don't have 10.

3. Lift Heavy Things

Muscle is longevity gold. It keeps your metabolism humming, supports your bones, helps prevent falls, and lets you stay strong and independent for decades to come. Strength training isn't optional—it’s essential. Move with intention, things like pilates and yoga will help keep you moving from the right places so you can continue to lift heavy things!

4. Sleep Like You Mean It

There’s no longevity without recovery. Deep, consistent sleep improves mood, memory, metabolism, and immune function. It’s not lazy to prioritize rest. It’s smart.

5. Be in Community

Humans aren’t meant to do this alone. We need connection. We need accountability. We need people who cheer us on when it’s hard and celebrate with us when we accomplish things. The people around you impact your health more than you think.

6. Play, Laugh, and Do Stuff You Love

Seriously. It’s not all protein shakes and mobility drills. Joy matters. Play is productive. Laughter is healing. Do things that make you feel alive. They’re just as vital to your health as the gym.

This is What We’re Here For

We’re not interested in chasing trends or “fixing” bodies for summer. We’re here to build bodies—and lives—that feel strong, free, and vibrant for as long as possible.

So no, we’re not building summer bodies. We’re building old person bodies. Resilient, joy-filled bodies that keep us dancing through our 90s and beyond.