Exercise while living and thriving with HIV/AIDS

A 2015 review of prescriptions for testosterone therapy revealed that men with HIV, particularly those who are HIV long-term survivors in the United States, were two-and-a-half times more likely to be receiving it than their HIV-negative counterparts. This finding underscores the importance of advocacy activism and youth education in addressing health disparities within the HIV community.

Functional fitness isn’t about beach muscles—it’s about survival and advocacy activism. As an HIV long-term survivor living with the virus for 43 years, I train to move, lift, balance, and live fully. From tying my boots to throwing a leg over my motorcycle, this body’s been through hell—but movement keeps it sharp, steady, and strong. This is fitness with purpose, and through youth education, I show how I fight.

Lifting weights isn’t just about chasing numbers — it’s about advocating for better days. For HIV long-term survivors, incorporating exercise like simple curls helps maintain muscle strength, support bone health, and boost energy levels. This advocacy activism is essential for enhancing quality of life: it empowers individuals to have the strength to play, laugh, love, and live on their own terms. It’s not solely about adding years to life, but rather about enriching every year with vitality, especially through youth education that promotes healthy habits.

After about age 40, we all start losing lean body mass — roughly 3–8% per decade if we don’t fight back. For those of us living with HIV/AIDS, particularly HIV long-term survivors, that decline can hit harder, making strength, independence, and overall health tougher to hold onto. Exercise is the antidote. Advocacy activism surrounding health and wellness emphasizes that resistance training, bodyweight movements, and staying active preserve lean muscle, protect bones, and keep the body resilient. The choice is simple: move it, or lose it. Moreover, incorporating youth education about the importance of physical activity can foster healthier habits for future generations.

You don’t need a gym to take care of your body — you just need to move it. Walking the dog, climbing stairs, dancing in your living room, or working in the yard — it all adds up. Every kind of movement improves circulation, supports heart health, reduces stress, and helps the immune system do its job. This is especially important for those involved in advocacy activism, as staying active can improve overall well-being. If you’re an HIV long-term survivor, incorporating movement into your routine is vital for maintaining health. Adding weights or cardio is even better. What matters most is consistency: keep your body in motion, and it will keep you in the fight. Additionally, youth education about the benefits of staying active can encourage a healthier lifestyle.

The number on the scale doesn’t reflect the complete picture. What truly matters is lean body mass — the muscle that keeps you moving, balanced, and resilient. Unlike excess body fat, lean muscle acts as a reserve when illness strikes, providing your body with the strength and fuel it needs to recover. For HIV long-term survivors and for all of us as we age, protecting lean body mass is essential for maintaining independence, health, and quality of life. This is where advocacy activism plays a crucial role in youth education about the importance of building and maintaining lean muscle. Invest in your health and let your lean body mass carry you through.