Completely agree- purposeful lethargy leads to muscle atrophy.
I trained for the Olympics for a decade and work out hard every day since (at least two hours if not more). Its addictive and as much for mental health at this point.
I am approaching 59YO and have only dealt with joint issues- solely due to all the working out. The weights i lift now may not be as heavy as the weights i lifted 10 years ago- but there’s not a huge difference.
I tend to agree with you.
I’m older, but was a professional athlete and remained extremely active in very heavy (as in, if you are really, really bored, you’ve seen me carrying heavy things on obscure TV channels).
It’s very much a use-it-or-lose-it situation.
I hurt, get hurt, and puke with regularity. But I’m way stronger than I was when I was in my 20s.
Here is my other suggestion. Once you get over age 45, it is best to not over stress any joints or muscles.
I am doing just great with mild exercise. At age 82, I have to be very careful to not injure anything because recovery is much slower at this age.