Can You Carry Like a Cat Carrying Kittens? Doctor Says It Shows How Healthy You'll Be!

Have you ever seen a mama cat carefully carrying her kittens? It looks pretty impressive, right? Well, a doctor who knows a lot about staying healthy for a long time says that how well you can carry things is a big clue about how healthy you'll be when you're older! He calls it the "farmer's carry," and it's like a super-important test for your body.

This doctor is named Peter Attia, and he's a longevity expert. Longevity, pronounced "lon-jev-i-tee," just means how long you live. Dr. Attia studies how people can live long, healthy lives. And he thinks the farmer's carry is a really good way to see if your body is strong and working well. Think of it like this: if you can carry heavy groceries now, you're more likely to be able to chase after playful kittens (or grandkids!) when you're older.

So, what exactly is the farmer's carry? It's simple! You hold something heavy in each hand and walk with it. Dr. Attia says that being able to carry 75 percent of your own weight is a really good sign. That means if you weigh 100 pounds, you should be able to carry 75 pounds total – 37.5 pounds in each hand. That's like carrying two very large bags of cat food!

Now, you might be wondering, "Why is carrying heavy things so important?" Well, Dr. Attia hasn't specifically explained why for kids, but we can think about it like this: cats need to be strong to climb trees, hunt mice, and even just jump up on the counter (even though they're not supposed to!). Our bodies are the same way. We need strong muscles and a good balance to do all the things we want to do, like playing sports, riding bikes, and even just walking around.

Dr. Attia is a big believer in staying strong as you get older. He wants people to be able to do all the things they love for as long as possible. Being able to do the farmer's carry shows that your muscles are strong, your bones are healthy, and your body is working together well. It's like having a well-oiled cat-robot that can pounce and play for years to come!

Of course, you shouldn't try to carry super-heavy things without help from a grown-up. It's important to start small and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger. Think of it like training a kitten to climb a scratching post – you wouldn't expect them to jump to the top right away! You need to practice and build up your strength over time.

So, next time you see a cat carrying her kittens, remember Dr. Attia and the farmer's carry. It's a reminder that staying strong and healthy is important for everyone, even us humans. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be able to carry even more than 75 percent of your weight – just like a super-strong cat-robot!

Remember to always talk to a doctor or grown-up before starting any new exercise program. They can help you find the right exercises for your body and make sure you're doing them safely. Now go out there and get your purr-fect health on!