Exercising regularly can pay dividends in terms of longevity and improved quality of life. Uniting physical activity with regular mindful practice, such as yoga or meditation can be especially beneficial in creating a healthy longevity lifestyle. In this article, we’ll discuss the multiple ways exercise supports longevity and touches on the many forms of physical activity that offer the most profound and long-lasting benefits.
Regular physical exercise is the golden rule of a healthy longevity lifestyle. When practiced continuously, it can help reduce health risks and slow down the aging process. This is due to exercise being linked to the lower rates of chronic serious illnesses like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and early death. Many studies have found that regular physical exercise reduces the risk of an early death by as much as 30%. Additionally, physical activity can protect against age-related health and memory challenges.
One core benefit of incorporating regular physical exercise into our lives for health and longevity is the fundamental impact it has on controlling blood sugar and weight. Regular physical activity improves the body’s ability to respond to insulin and use carbohydrates, ultimately helping sustain more stability in mood and energy levels. In addition, exercise helps burn energy while also building muscle, leading to a more controlled and healthy weight profile.
Besides helping to keep blood sugar and weight in check, exercise is known to reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality and boost the production of immune cells. Improved nutrient absorption and increased mitochondrial biogenesis also contribute to significantly improved metabolic health.
Regular exercise has also been seen to improve serotonin production that helps regulate our moods and contributes to human longevity. Furthermore, regular physical activity can promote the production of endorphins, which can improve our overall sense of well-being and reduce stress.
The many physical activities that can be incorporated into our lives for more longevity are countless. Running, swimming, strength training, cycling and even walking are excellent forms of physical activity that not only build and sustain our muscle and strength, but provide many other health benefits as well.
Doing at least two and half hours of moderate intensity exercise each week is the recommendation from most health organization for improved longevity. While this may seem like an intimidating goal, it works out to be about 20 minutes of physical activity per day.
One effective exercise strategy for improved longevity is to further unite physical activity with mindful practice such as yoga or meditation. This way, the body and the mind can work together to create better physical health. Through combining physical exercise with mindfulness, the mind is integrated and becomes an active part of the exercise process, training itself to be mindful of breathing and then exploring how the body responds to physical activity. Mindful practice can even help with suppressing chronic pain.
So, in summary, unlocking the benefits of regular exercise for longevity is the ultimate form of preventive healthcare. Exercise has numerous benefits for our mental and physical health, not only as we age but throughout our lifetimes. Additionally, we can unite physical activity with mindful practice to bring better overall health and well-being. With the right knowledge and motivation, regular exercise becomes the golden rule for a healthy longevity lifestyle.