Exercise is crucial for promoting a longer and healthier life. Recent studies have shown that solely engaging in cardiovascular activities is not enough to achieve this goal. To maximize longevity, it is important to combine muscle-strengthening exercises with regular practice of moderate and vigorous aerobic exercises. In this article, we will explore the different categories of exercises and their impact on your longevity.
The Significance of a Balanced Exercise Routine
A study conducted by the University of Zaragoza in Spain analyzed the data of over half a million adults to determine which types of exercise best promote longevity. Participants reported the number of minutes they dedicated each week to three types of physical activities: moderate-intensity exercise, vigorous-intensity exercise, and muscle-strengthening exercise.
Over a follow-up period of approximately ten years, about 56,000 individuals passed away, including over 17,000 from cardiovascular diseases and nearly 13,000 from cancer. The findings of the study revealed that individuals who engaged in at least two sessions of muscle-strengthening exercises per week, along with 150 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise and up to 75 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, reduced their risk of premature death by half compared to those who did not perform any weightlifting exercises.
The Combined Effect of Different Exercise Types
Participants who followed this balanced exercise routine also had a 47% lower likelihood of premature death compared to those who engaged in the same number of minutes of moderate exercise and muscle-strengthening exercise, but only 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous exercise.
These results suggest that current exercise guidelines, which recommend individuals to engage in two sessions of muscle-strengthening exercises per week and choose between 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise, may need to be modified to emphasize the necessity of all exercise types.
Rather than choosing between moderate and vigorous aerobic exercise, individuals could aim for 75 minutes of each, in addition to two sessions of muscle-strengthening exercises per week. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal types of muscle-strengthening exercises and the duration they should be practiced.
Even a Small Amount of Exercise is Beneficial
It is important to note that even if you do not meet the recommended exercise guidelines each week, any amount of physical activity is beneficial. It is crucial to start from your own starting point and work towards the recommended goals.
The benefits of aerobic exercise also seem to plateau beyond a certain point. The most effective exercise is the one that you can sustain throughout your life. If you are short on time, vigorous exercise is the most efficient in terms of time. Ten minutes of vigorous exercise are equivalent to twenty minutes of moderate exercise.
How to Determine if You are Exercising Effectively
To make the most of your workout session, choose an activity that you enjoy and push your limits as much as possible. If you are able to sing while exercising, it indicates that you need to increase the intensity. On the other hand, if you are unable to speak at all during the exercise, it may mean that the intensity is too high.
Finding a balance between different types of exercises is crucial in enhancing your longevity. Combine sessions of muscle-strengthening exercises with moderate and vigorous aerobic exercises to achieve the best results. Remember that even a small amount of exercise is beneficial, so do not hesitate to start small and work towards meeting the official recommendations.
Investing time and energy in your health today can provide you with additional years of active and rewarding life. So, what are you waiting for? Get moving now for optimal longevity.
