We all know that regular physical activity, is a part of living a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Exercise stimulates blood flow, which encourages healthy cell function and the removal of toxins from the body, while releasing endorphins, to help relieve stress and bring on positive energy. It’s no surprise that when we push ourselves to reach new heights physically, our mental health thanks us. After a good sweat, our emotional state is lifted, we have more energy to get through the day and there is a sense of proud achievement, that we have successfully pushed our body outside of its comfort zone, physically.
I’m a big believer that regular exercise helps bring out a true skin glow. Regular clearing of inner toxins and the stimulation of blood flow, can only benefit a skin that is sluggish and lacklustre.
Well – studies now show that there is another positive benefit from regular exercise – The slowing down of ageing. According to researchers, older adults who exercised for most of their lives, showed signs of slowed down ageing. Researchers at the University of Birmingham and King’s college in London, have found that staying active and fit, keeps the body young and healthy, with lower cholesterol levels and a better immune system.
Professor Janet Lord, Director of the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing at the University of Birmingham, said: “Hippocrates in 400 BC said that exercise is mans best medicine, but his message has been lost over time and we are an increasingly sedentary society. However, importantly, our findings debunk the assumption that ageing automatically makes us more frail. Our research means we now have strong evidence that encouraging people to commit to regular exercise throughout their lives is a viable solution to the problem that we are living longer but not healthier”.
It’s important to find the right exercise for you – one that you enjoy both physically and mentally, that you can see making a part of your everyday life… After all, if you don’t enjoy it, you won’t do it long term, as it’s a ‘chore’ rather than an activity that you look forward to. It may be running, it may be regular long walks or hikes outdoors, even regular dance classes… Whatever it is that gets your heart racing and blood pumping, find it and make a habit of it!
Most of us exercise because we are healthy or striving to be the healthiest version of our self, but as we age, what studies like this are now showing, is that older adults are healthy BECAUSE they have exercised for such a large proportion of their lives.
Who doesn’t want to age gracefully?
To be able to do what you want to do at a later stage in your life, without bad health holding you back, I think, is the ultimate goal.
So here’s to being the best version of you and living a healthy, well balanced life.
Find the exercise for you and stick to it… Your body will thank you for it later!
Amelia x
Source: University of Birmingham, Neuroscience news
