Lifetime Fitness Pays Big!

“Exercise now for a healthy life”…Phoenix Fitness Hamilton. The idea of  “the harder you workout, the better your health” is being replaced by a new revolution that is easier on your bones, joints and muscles.  Research shows that a modest amount of enjoyable physical activity each week can provide life-extending benefits.  It is recommended that you regulate your workouts according to “perceived exertion” which means until you’re tired but not exhausted.

A 1989 study by epidemiologist Steven Blair, PhD, Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas, ranked 13,000 individuals age 20 to 85 from least to most fit.  Over several years, the least fit  had the highest death rate and the fittest had the lowest death rate.

Even a little exercise improves health.  The biggest difference though, occurred between the lowest and the next highest category of fitness.  This study showed that even just a little exercise will improve your health and give you life-extending benefits.  Its important to recognize the importance of less intense exercise, which is key for the older, higher-risk population .  It places less stress on the body, exposing us to lower risk of exercise-induced injuries and heart attacks, yet offers most of the same benefits.

Walking is highly recommended since it has been shown that brisk walking causes fewer injuries and has the same aerobic benefits as running if you walk longer and more often.  For instance, if a walk feels like it takes half the effort of your run then walk twice the distance.

Stop the effects of aging.  Muscle loss is usually the result of inactivity, not aging.  Tufts University, showed that even ninety-year old residents in nursing homes who worked out with light weight could significantly improve their strength and level of activity.  Emphasis should be placed on muscular conditioning exercises for the arms and upper body, since aerobic sports such as walking, running and cycling don’t focus on these areas.

This article is not intended to provide individual advice which should be obtained directly from a Hamilton Personal Trainer at Phoenix Fitness Hamilton.