Health Update: Strength training is key – Mountain Xpress – What Experts Say

As part of Xpress‘ annual Wellness Issue series, we reached out to some of this year’s Best of WNC winners in the Health and Wellness categories to share their approaches to managing their physical and mental health.

Below, we speak with Jess Tripp, who has been involved in Asheville’s wellness community since 2013. In March 2024, she launched Longevity Physical Therapy. “I felt the desire to provide a higher level of care to active adults to keep them moving and feeling strong in their bodies,” she says. “My inspiration comes from rupturing my Achilles tendon in June 2023. I realized through doing my own rehabilitation the majority of athletes are not pushed to their full potential in their recovery.”

Xpress: What’s your approach for managing screen time and technology to support optimal health?

My daily approach for keeping myself balanced in regards to technology demands is not wearing my smartwatch during the day to keep myself focused on the task at hand and having “do not disturb” turned on at 8 p.m. each night.

Can you share one or two food items or simple dishes that are your personal go-tos for maintaining a healthy diet?

Protein intake is always something I am working toward getting enough of to support my lifestyle — with a Greek yogurt, blueberry, granola and honey bowl being my favorite. It’s easy to prepare and toss in my work bag to help me hit my goals on busy days.

What is one wellness habit readers should consider adding to their daily or weekly routines in 2026? 

To be healthier in 2026, add in strength training two to three times per week. The stronger you are, the more reserves you have to tackle the unexpected transactions (like an Achilles rupture) life may throw at you.