Aging Exercise Functional Strength
March 3rd, 2016
The Invisible Benefits of Exercise
What’s your motivation for working out? Whether we like to admit it or not, for most of us, it’s to look good. This is just fine, but essential to think more broadly and deeply than that and see your exercise efforts as an investment in your long-term health and consider the benefits you can’t see on the surface.
These “invisible benefits” tend to be a more powerful, long-term motivator – and for good reason. Almost immediately, your health will begin to improve as a result of exercise – even if the scale or measuring tape are taking their time. Here are 5 key benefits of exercise that are worth considering:
1. Prevention
More exercise = less disease and illness. Studies show that physical activity prevents numerous health conditions – including type 2 diabetes – and lowers your risk of early death by up to 30 percent!
2. Reverse Muscle Aging
A study found that with just six months of strength training for one hour, twice a week, the participant’s muscle aging “signature” was significantly reversed at the cellular level.
3. Increase Bone Density
A combination of weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises done regularly can help to prevent osteoporosis and build bone density, which your 80-year-old self will thank you for down the road.
4. Strengthen Joints
Your body is a machine that works better the more it’s used. A study found that resistance exercise for those aged 65 and older “can actually reverse important aging effects on skeletal muscles, to the point where they work genetically like those found in people four decades younger.”
5. Less Prone to Injury
When you’re strong, healthy, and flexible, your chances of injury drop dramatically, and your recovery time, if you do get injured, will be much shorter.
See the Benefits
So, as much as you may want to fit into that dress or bulk up your muscles for the beach, remember that each workout is doing wonderful things for your body that just might not be quite as visible. Plug away at it and, before long, you’ll start to be able to see the benefits on the outside too.
If you’d like some help with developing a training routine that’s safe, effective, and tailored just for you, there’s a free assessment and first workout with your name on it. We offer in-home personal training in the Toronto area, as well as virtual and studio training, so you can choose the option most suitable for you. Get started today and feel the invisible (and visible) benefits of exercise.
Updated on August 30, 2022.