Forget cosmetic surgery, needles, suctions, nips and tucks that are supposed to keep us looking younger. Fortunately, there is a simpler, more sensible and natural way to delay the aging process: Exercise!
A new, just-released Canadian study shows what previous research had already revealed: that regular physical activity combined with reduced caloric intake help us not only stave off physical and mental degeneration of aging, but also increase our longevity.
“This new study reiterates what doctors and fitness professionals have known for a long time – that exercise and healthy weight can delay the aging process and prevent early death,” says Steve Fuchs, owner of Burlington Adventure Boot Camp for Women.
How exactly does regular physical activity keep us younger and healthier, while increasing our life span? There are a lot of mechanisms at work here, Fuchs points out.
“The most logical explanation is that exercise and healthy weight go a long way toward preventing heart disease, which is the leading cause of death among Americans,” he says. “By the same token, physical activity prevents other potentially fatal illnesses and conditions such as certain forms of cancer, as well as obesity and diabetes, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated.”
But that’s not all: exercise also increases blood flow and oxygenates body cells, keeping them from aging. And, certainly as important, it boosts our mental health by releasing “feel good” hormones known as endorphins.
Any regular physical activity that gets us moving will be beneficial, Fuchs notes, but suggests a combination of four routines for maximum youth-boosting effects:
Strength training: “It helps slow down or stop muscle loss that accompanies aging and even raises the body's metabolic rate. Strong muscles protect your heart, keep your joints flexible, strengthen the bones, and help manage back and arthritis pain. There is nothing that visually “ages” you more than stooped shoulders and a crooked posture.”
Endurance exercises: “They boost your energy levels, prevent tiredness, oxygenate the entire body and burn excess calories which in turn helps decrease excess fat.”
Flexibility training: “Among other benefits, ithelps balance muscle groups that are overly exerted as a result of physical activity or bad posture. It improves performance, decreases the risk of injury, as well as muscle soreness.”
Core exercises “strengthen, support and stabilize your spine, pelvis and shoulders, and flatten yours abs too. If your core is strong, you’ll look years younger.”
However, if you don’t have time for several routines, and would like to combine the positive effects of anti-aging workouts into one regimen, Fuchs recommends trying a boot camp style workout.
“Since boot camp style workouts provide all of these types of routines in one workout, it provides a terrific workout for your heart, muscles, joints and core, not to mention more weight loss results, and a leaner shape in less time,” he says. “That will keep your DNA younger for much longer.”
About Burlington Adventure Boot Camp for Women:
Launched by fitness expert Steve Fuchs in October 2005, Burlington Adventure Boot Camp for Women is a fitness boot camp program which specializes in the area of weight loss for busy moms. Program details and client testimonials are available at www.burlingtonbootcamp.com. Fuchs, a certified fitness expert with 10 years experience in the fitness industry can be reached at 802-876-7787.
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About Steve Fuchs, Fitness Expert:
Fuchs is a certified fitness expert (Adventure Fitness Trainer – NESTA, Personal Fitness Trainer – AFAA, Functional Training Specialist – NESTA, Sport Yoga – NESTA, Second Degree Black Belt – Kempo Karate, Adult CPR and First Aid) with 10 years experience in the fitness industry. He can be reached at 802-876-7787 and is available for media interviews on topics related to health, wellness and fitness.
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