When you embark on your fitness regimen, you’ll likely expect to experience some benefits that will make your efforts worthwhile. For example, you may want to get stronger, relieve pain, or lose excess weight. On top of that, you can expect the specific type of exercise you’re doing to help. look and feel younger. That’s why we’ve chatted with the experts to learn about the exercise habits that delay aging. Read on to learn more.
“regular exercisestarted at any age, it can dramatically reduce the risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic pain, depression, dementia and many other health problems,” said Dr. Jacob Hascalovici, Of course Medical Director, he tells us. Beyond that, Hascalovici says, “regular exercise can help offset some of the damage that aging causes by maintaining cognitive function, strengthening bones and reducing the chances of falling.”
With all of this in mind, check out the following comments from Dr. Hascalovici and Anthony Puopolo: Rex MD Medical Director, who counts Eat this, not that! why you should try these anti-aging exercise habits.
Related: Lifestyle Habits That Slow Aging, From a 100-Year-Old Neurologist
Low-impact exercise is always a solid option, because it decreases the stress placed on your joints Y it gives you a mood boost. What’s better than that? Hascalovici recommends physical activities such as swimming, tai chi, cross-country skiing, yoga, biking, and walking. Hascalovici also notes, “Online videos offer a lot more options, and people often like to design an exercise program that includes a variety of different exercises.”
Aim for an exercise regimen that includes both cardiovascular elements and strength training to avoid the declines that come with aging. Hascalovici says, “In general, 150 minutes (or 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week) is the right amount of activity to aim for.”
Related: Strength Training Habits That Slow Aging, According to Science
According to Hascalovici, sticking to a regular schedule stretching routine can help you avoid the physical pain that comes with aging, especially by targeting the specific body parts affected. Feel free to incorporate stretching as part of your warm up or cool down.
When it comes to which stretches will give you the benefits you’re looking for, everyone’s needs are different. Hascalovici says your doctor will be able to determine the most beneficial ones for you.
Last but not least, skip the elevator or escalator and take the stairs whenever possible. “If you’re looking for an exercise to slow down the aging process that has the benefits of building strength and endurance, climbing stairs is a great option,” Puopolo tells us.
Taking the stairs can help you combat the loss of muscle strength and bone density that occurs as you age. “Older people experience loss of balance and weakness in the lower quadrants, which can lead to movement restrictions or, in the worst case, serious fall injuries,” explains Puopolo. “Climbing stairs, when done safely, provides many of the benefits of weightlifting, such as strengthening the calves, quads and hamstrings, as well as having bone density-building characteristics.”
Climbing those steps at a “walking pace,” this physical activity is low-impact and can improve your endurance. So lace up your sneakers and let’s go for it!
Desiree O
Desirée O is a freelance writer who covers lifestyle, food and nutrition news, among other topics. read more
