It is no secret that exercise keeps your body & mind humming with health. But

recent research shows that it can also put a brake on the ageing process. (read more)

“The secret to anti-aging isn’t about creams and lotions, but about how to build a

foundation from the inside-out with a strong body and a sound mind,” says Kathy

Smith, spokesperson for the International Council on Active Aging.

Some of the positive effects of exercise on your body are:

Brain – “If you do only one thing to keep your brain young, exercise, “says Art

Kramer, professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of

Illinois. Physically active people can reduce dementia risk by 30%-40%, including

Alzheimer’s disease.

As you age –  Hippocampus, the brain region involved in memory function shrinks.

Exercise can reverse this process.

Heart – It helps your heart muscle become strong and better able to pump blood

throughout your body; stabilising your blood pressure.

It also increases your levels of HDL cholesterol, the ‘good’ cholesterol that lowers

heart disease risk by flushing the artery-clogging LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol out of your

system.

Lungs – The breathing rate increases and the muscles call out for more oxygen.

Soon muscles around the lungs cannot move any faster, and we reach VO2 max-

your maximal oxygen consumption. The higher your VO2 max, the fitter you are.

Bones/ Joints – It maintains bone density as you get older. It helps lessen joint

pain by  keeping off extra weight that can stress your joints.

Muscles – Besides the aesthetic appeal, muscles play a pivotal role in your overall

health and wellness, especially as you age. Muscle mass allows you to metabolize

carbohydrates, helps recover from serious injury and illness, and above all helps you

fight many of the diseases of this modern environment.