How Fitness Might Help You Live Longer
Exercise is more important than weight loss for improving the prospects of a longer life, according to "The New York Times."
In their most recent episode, "Strength Changes Everything" podcast co-hosts Brian Cygan and Amy Hudson discuss the research findings found in Gretchen Reynolds' article, "Why Exercise Is More Important For A Longer Life."
Gretchen says research shows that exercising matters more statistically than losing weight for a person's longevity. Losing weight is hard, that's why it has to be combined with nutritional changes and exercise that maximizes muscle health. The research looked at overweight and obese individuals with health problems and found that people who exercise saw great results, regardless of whether or not they lost weight.
Brian emphasizes that a higher level of fitness is more important to longevity than weight loss. Cutting calories without strength training is one of the worst ways to lose weight. Activity alone has its limitations related to weight loss and increasing longevity. Meanwhile, intentional exercise with the goal to improve muscle quality is one of the best predictors of mortality. Exercise and muscle mass alone doesn't increase your longevity, but they are correlated to the physiological effects that do such as blood pressure, cholesterol and insulin resistance.
Being fit at any weight is far more important than the numbers on the scale. Learn more by listening to the "Strength Changes Everything" podcast episode No. 56.
