Benefits of Lifelong Exercise
Benefits of Lifelong Exercise
Do you want to live longer, feel younger, and stay healthy?
As part of a new study, research has shown that those in their mid-70s who have been active for most of their lives have similar cardiovascular health as 40-45 year old's. The group in their 70s had been maintaining exercises that consisted of running and/or cycling about 4-6 days a week. Research also found that the health of the muscles of this same group was about the same as the muscles of those who were 25 years old. Although the study was relatively small, the findings, which were published in the Journal of Applied Physiology in August, suggest a dramatic benefit of lifelong exercise for both muscle health and the cardiovascular system.
Research shows that exercise improves sleep, reduces the risk of high blood pressure or strokes, and prevents weight gain. You can control the amount of food you eat, but as your age your metabolism changes and this can result in how your body stores fat and handles the calories you consume. Lifelong exercise can help control your weight and metabolism with consistent exercise and a nutritious balanced diet.
Lifelong exercise can also prevent osteoporosis, which is very common in women who are past the age of menopause. Exercise can help increase total bone mass and help prevent fractured or broken bones in later life. There are two types of exercises for building and maintaining healthy bones – weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises.
If you struggle to find time to exercise, remember it doesn’t have to be strenuous. A 10-15 minute workout can do the trick. Aim to have cardio 2-3x weekly and moderate intensity exercises for at least 2 hours in a week. Incorporate yoga and Pilates for strength and flexibility to keep your bones and muscles functioning at their best. Try to avoid long periods of inactivity and always remember some activity is better than none.
Sources:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/basics/get-fit-for-life.aspx
https://baptisthealth.net/baptist-health-news/lifelong-benefits-of-exercise-can-75-be-the-new-45/
https://www.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00174.2018
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/science-wellness-benefits-of-lifelong-exercise
