Ageing is an inevitable part of life, but how we age is something we have more control over than we might think.
While many people search for anti-ageing creams and supplements, the most powerful way to stay youthful, strong, and healthy is through regular exercise. Training your body properly can help slow down many aspects of the ageing process, keeping you fit and independent for longer.
Here’s why exercise is the best anti-ageing treatment available…
Muscle Mass Reduces All-Cause Mortality
One of the most significant changes that occur as we age is the natural decline in muscle mass, known as sarcopenia. Losing muscle not only weakens the body but also increases the risk of chronic diseases, frailty, and even mortality.
Strength training helps to counteract this by preserving and even building muscle mass, which plays a crucial role in overall health. Studies have shown that people with greater muscle mass have a lower risk of dying from all causes, making resistance training one of the most effective ways to extend lifespan.
Exercise Slows Down Cognitive Decline
Keeping the brain sharp is just as important as maintaining physical strength, and exercise has a profound effect on cognitive function.
Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, promotes the release of neuroprotective chemicals, and helps to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Even moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking or cycling, has been shown to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, helping to keep the mind young and active.
A High VO2 Max Predicts a Longer Lifespan
VO2 max – the measure of how much oxygen your body can use during exercise – is one of the best indicators of overall fitness and longevity.
A higher VO2 max is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and a longer healthspan. Cardiovascular training, such as running, rowing, or interval training, helps improve heart and lung function, ensuring the body remains efficient at delivering oxygen to the muscles and organs. Keeping your VO2 max high as you age means better endurance, more energy, and a healthier heart.
Improved Mobility Maintains Posture and Movement Quality for Longer
Staying mobile and maintaining good movement quality is essential for leading an active, independent life as we age. Regular exercise that includes strength training, stretching, and mobility work helps to keep joints healthy, improve posture, and prevent stiffness.
Without movement, our bodies naturally become less flexible and more prone to aches and pains. Training with proper movement patterns and focusing on flexibility ensures that everyday tasks – from standing up to reaching overhead – remain easy and pain-free well into later life.
Strength Reduces Falls Risk
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and loss of independence in older adults. As muscle mass declines, so does balance, coordination, and reaction time. Power training, particularly exercises that target the lower body and core, improves stability and reduces the risk of falls.
Additionally, resistance training helps to keep bones strong, reducing the risk of fractures. By prioritising strength, you can stay on your feet and maintain confidence in your movement as you age.
Exercise is Vital for Older People
The ageing process may be inevitable, but how we age is largely within our control. Regular exercise helps to maintain muscle mass, protect brain health, improve cardiovascular fitness, preserve mobility, and reduce the risk of falls. No pill or supplement comes close to the benefits of staying active. If you want to keep feeling strong, healthy, and youthful, exercise isn’t just an option – it’s essential.
Want to improve your health and fitness? Let the AdMac Fitness Personal Trainers help…
AdMac Fitness has been helping the people of East London transform their health and fitness for nearly a decade.
We help people using tried and tested fitness approaches. Our expert team of personal trainers, based in both Bow and South Woodford can help you get a grip of your health forever. With our guidance and experience, you can relax knowing that your fitness journey is going to be guided by some of the best personal trainers in East London.
For more information on who we are, what we do and how we can help you achieve your health and fitness goals, contact us on… 07921465108 or email us at admacfitness@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Our locations are…
AdMac Fitness: Arch 457 Robeson St, London E3 4JA
AdMac Fitness South Woodford: Unit 4 Marlborough Business Centre, 96 George Lane, South Woodford, London, E18 1AD