Why I Deadlift for Longevity — Not Ego

Three repetitions at 130, 150 and 170 kilograms appear in this short training video. The numbers are part of what you see, but the reason I train is more important to me: staying strong for my family, my work and my future self.

When I say I deadlift for longevity, I mean investing in the ability to remain active and independent over time. A lifting session cannot promise a longer life. It can, however, form part of a consistent approach to looking after strength and physical function.

Why does strength matter beyond the gym?

Strength has a practical purpose. Everyday life asks us to stand up, carry things, climb steps and keep moving. Training is one way to build the capacity that supports those activities.

Resistance exercise can help maintain or improve muscle strength and support bone health. Those benefits are relevant beyond competitive sport. They are part of the reason strength training belongs in a wider conversation about healthy ageing and healthspan—the years in which we can live and function well.

For me, the deadlift is one part of that investment. I enjoy training, and I want the work I put in now to support the life I hope to keep living.

Does training for longevity mean lifting heavy weights?

It does not mean copying the weights in my video. Those numbers show my training on that occasion; they are not a starting point, target or prescription for someone else.

A useful programme depends on experience, technique, current strength and health. Resistance can come from lighter weights, machines, bands or bodyweight movements. Progress should be appropriate to the person doing the exercise.

I use the phrase “not ego” because the purpose matters more than comparison. A weight that allows controlled movement and suits your current ability is more useful than a number chosen to impress. Good coaching can help someone learn unfamiliar movements and find a sensible progression.

Where does lifting fit into an active life?

Strength training complements other movement. Walking, cycling, running and Brazilian jiu-jitsu are different ways people may enjoy being active. They do not all train the body in the same way, and no single exercise has to carry the whole burden of health.

General physical activity guidance includes both aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening exercise. The right balance can change with a person’s goals and circumstances. If an existing health problem affects exercise, an individual discussion with the treating clinician can help guide that balance.

What is the message behind this video?

Stay strong for life. That is the idea I want to share—not a competition over the heaviest lift or a claim that everyone needs to deadlift. Smart, consistent training is valuable when it supports the activities, relationships and responsibilities that matter to us.

You can read more about my work as a vascular surgeon in Singapore. My current clinic, Andrew Choong Vascular Surgery, is at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, #09-22, 38 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329563.