Ever wondered when your body is truly at its strongest? A major long-term Swedish study suggests it happens earlier than many people think. Researchers tracked more than 400 participants over 47 years, following them from their teenage years into their early 60s. They found that overall physical capacity — including strength and endurance — typically peaks between the late 20s and mid-30s. On average, age 35 marked the high point.
After that, performance gradually declines. Between 35 and 63, overall fitness dropped by around 30 to 48 per cent, including reductions in muscle strength and aerobic capacity — even among those who remained active.
The good news? Lifestyle makes a difference. People who exercised consistently from a young age maintained better long-term strength and endurance. Even those who began exercising later in life improved physical performance by up to 10 per cent.
The message is simple: your peak may arrive sooner than expected, but staying active helps you stay stronger for longer.
Photo by CATHY PHAM on Unsplash
