Unlock the Secret to a Longer Life: Exercise!
Guess what’s the key to a longer, healthier life? You got it—exercise! Recent studies spill the beans that adding different kinds of exercise to our daily routine can seriously up our lifespan and make us feel better overall.
A study spilled the deets at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions, saying that picking up healthy habits, like regular exercise, might even slow down aging by about 6 years. These habits include keeping a healthy weight, eating right, and, most importantly, staying active.
Dr. Borja del Pozo Cruz, the researcher, breaks down the perks of different exercises in cutting the risk of kicking the bucket too soon. Turns out, mixing things up with moderate aerobic activity, intense aerobic workouts, and strength training is the winning combo for avoiding an early exit.
Dr. del Pozo Cruz recommends around 75 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, over 150 minutes of intense exercise, and a few strength training sessions each week for major benefits and reducing the risk of all sorts of early deaths.
For extra credit, combining 150-225 minutes of moderate exercise with 75 minutes of intense exercise and a few strength training sessions per week can specifically slash the risk of heart-related deaths.
Look at Dr. Edwina “Eddie” Brocklesby, aka Iron Gran, for inspo! At 72, she became the oldest British woman to finish an Ironman Triathlon—swimming, cycling, and running. Her story tells us how mixing it up with both chill and intense activities, plus strength training, is the way to go.
But what if you’re not a sports superstar? No worries! Even a little exercise goes a long way, according to research. Just 2 minutes of intense exercise a day can really cut the risk of cancer or heart problems, and less than 10 minutes of intense exercise per week can already cut that risk in half. Clocking in at least 60 minutes of exercise per week can drop it even more.
Bottom line: Any exercise is good, so find what works for you. Dr. del Pozo Cruz says check in with healthcare pros to figure out a plan that fits you. And if your job has you doing heavy-duty activities, be careful—they might up the risk of certain health problems and mess with your brain.
In a nutshell, exercise is the superhero for a long, healthy life. It makes our bodies strong, boosts our well-being, and adds more years to our clock. So, lace up those sneakers and kick off your exercise journey today—your future self will give you a high-five!
