New research supports that it is never too late to begin an endurance training routine and benefit from it!
A study on men has found that “relatively intensive” endurance exercise provides heart benefits regardless of age when training begins. The exercise specific to this study was running or cycling.
Each participant was assessed before and after training, and the results revealed that, “despite biological changes with age, the heart still seems – even at the age of 40 – amenable to modification by endurance training. Starting at the age of 40 or older does not seem to impair the cardiac benefits.”
One need not be a marathon runner or an elite athlete to derive significant benefits from physical activity
The Surgeon General’s Report, a joint CDC/ACSM consensus statement, and a National Institutes of Health report agreed that benefits will generally occur by engaging in at least 30 minutes of modest activity on most—preferably all— days of the week.
Modest activity is defined as any activity that is similar in intensity to brisk walking at a rate of about 3 to 4 miles per hour.
Remember, moving is good for your heart at any age. A regular dose of physical activity can:
– Lower your resting heart rate
– Help manage your weight
– Reduce blood pressure
– Decrease LDL (think: “L” for lousy cholesterol)
– Increase HDL
– Increase your exercise tolerance (be able to do work with less fatigue)
– Increase in insulin sensitivity
Author: Heather Klaus, Medcor, Wellness Program Manager. Heather oversees Medcor’s internal wellness program for nearly 900 associates nationwide. She also develops and supports wellness programs for Medcor clients. Heather is a regular author and contributor to health and wellness blogs, videos and newsletters. Heather holds a Bachelor’s in Science from Northern Illinois University in Nutrition and Dietetics. She is a certified trainer, fitness instructor and Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant. http://www.medcor.com. Contact: heather.klaus@medcor.com
