A physical therapist recommends doing these four exercises to promote longevity and healthy aging

Three men performing chair squats, one is holding a kettlebell, another a yellow ball as they sit back into the chairs.

Do you want your future self to be healthy, independent and mobile? Then, according to physical therapist and yoga teacher Lara Heimann, you want to maintain strength and muscle mass, because these are some of the best predictors of good health later in life.

“Muscle mass plays a vital role in maintaining independence, mobility, and even brain health, says Heimann. “The more we strengthen with intention, the more we give our future selves the gift of vitality.”