As we age, everything becomes stiffer. Our joints can tense up and swell, our ligaments tighten and our muscles aren’t the nubile friends they once were. But there’s hope.
It’s true that exercising daily can improve your stamina. It can be hard for the average person to measure the exact benefits, though.
Well, it’s no longer a secret. A study done by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and shows the advantages to exercising regularly truly are significant.
Two groups of individuals, who were mostly inactive but in otherwise good health, were recruited for the study. Their ages spanned between 45 and 64 years. They were divided into two groups and assigned different exercises to be completed for 2 years.
One group engaged in non-aerobic exercise that included basic yoga, balance training and weight training, three times a week. A second group completed high-intensity aerobic exercise for at least four days a week.
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It turned out- maybe somewhat unsurprisingly- that the group doing higher-intensity exercise saw significant improvements in the health of their heart over 24 months.
In fact, the benefits were so pronounced researchers found the hearts of 50-year-olds turned back the clock to being that of 30 to 35-year-olds. In essence they became 10 to 15 years younger, at least on the inside.
These individuals had better cardiovascular functioning and were much better able to process oxygen.
So yes, your gym and stepper are full-fledged time machines. Step on up, McFly. Enjoy the ride.
