We all dream of the mythical fountain of youth.
As fitness professionals, you would expect us to say that regular exercise and clean eating greatly benefit your life. But what if we could tell you with increased confidence that exercise can halt or even reverse the aging of your body?
Big stuff, but the evidence is stronger than ever.
Aging happens at the cellular level, when cells lose some or all of their ability to generate energy. This leads to physical changes associated with aging. Mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, decline over time, leading to age-related chronic problems from heart disease to cancer.
But get this: a study at Mayo Clinic found that High Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, actually reversed the aging process by boosting the mitochondria’s ability to generate energy by 60 percent among older people, and 49 percent in younger groups. The study also showed HIIT increases our ability to burn excess blood sugar, reducing the risk of diabetes.
HIITing the Mark
HIIT combines short, high-intensity bursts of exercise, with recovery phases throughout a 15- to 30-minute session. High-intensity bursts are done at 85 to 100 percent of your maximum heart rate, significantly higher than the 50 to 75 percent typical in endurance activity.
HIIT also increases the rate at which fat is burned, resulting in weight loss. And it has been shown to depress production of the hormones that stimulate appetite, helping many people avoid cravings, especially for sweets.
HIIT has also been shown to improve functioning of lungs, heart and circulation.
All of these benefits translate directly to a longer, healthier life.
The science is clear that exercise is the best way to stave off the inevitable aging process, and if you want maximum returns, make HIIT part of your life.
Come join our HIIT & Tabata classes. All fitness levels welcome, modifications provided. Monday nights at 6:30pm and two Saturdays a month at 8:00am – see group fitness schedule.
Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Healthy
