Anti Aging and Exercise

Although everyone knows that exercise is beneficial we may not understand the relationship exercise has to the aging process, and since we’re talking about anti-aging we should explain the relevance.  First of all, don’t panic, it is not necessary to become an exercise fanatic in order to benefit from it.

Actually, it is even better if you do not exercise to an extreme. The important thing about your exercise routine is ensuring that it addresses 10 main areas of your health.

1) Metabolism: The metabolic rate is the rate that your body burns calories or energy. As we age this rate generally slows done. There are simple ways to speed it up though. The simplest is exercise….even walking is great for speeding up one’s metabolism.

2) Muscle Mass: Another loss we face with aging is a decline in muscle mass. As we age we find we have to work a little harder to build and maintain our muscles tone. Besides working out another way to aid in this is to increase protein intake – eat things like peanuts, lentils and meat. These foods increase the body’s production of growth hormones which will result in more muscle mass.

3) Bone Density: At about the age of 35 bones begin to lose some density. Weight bearing exercises can help reduce this process. Try things like stair-stepping, mountain hiking, and weight training.

4) Growth Factor: Let me start by saying that short and intense exercise regimes are best. Imagine that you have not exercised for a long time and you decide to go on a mountain hike. By the time you reach your destination you are tire and your legs ache. Your body responds by releasing growth hormones to build more muscle. Your heart beats harder and faster – thus distributing the hormones.

5) Lung Volume: When you breathe it is good to fully expand your lungs – fill them completely. This increases the lung’s ability to absorb oxygen and leads to increased blood circulation. Always remember to breathe as you exercise!

6) Fat Gain: Although fat may be a primary reason that we begin exercising it is important that we keep in mind what we want to get out of the routine in the end. Keeping muscle mass intact should always be a goal, therefore prolonged cardiovascular exercise is not recommended. This will burn fat and increase the metabolism rate but it can also burn away muscle.

7) Strength: To increase your strength exercise regimes that are short in duration are suggested.

8) Flexibility: The best way to maintain flexibility is by stretching. Exercises such as Yoga are great ways to stretch and develop your flexibility.

9) Heart Fitness: We all know how important a healthy heart is to one’s overall health. Exercises that can strengthen a heart include; cycling, swimming, and stair-stepping.

10) Neuromuscular Coordination: Exercises such as Martial Arts and Yoga tend to improve the functionality of the brain. The exercises require strict coordination of movements and therefore the mind is engaged.