Ways exercise makes you healthier, happier, and younger
The "Sweaty Dozen" is a list from the Cleveland Clinic of 12 ways that exercise can transform your life -- making you live longer, stronger and happier. In fact, a study published in Circulation found that, over 30 years, people who followed the minimum guidelines by getting 150 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity a week lowered their risk of dying from any cause by as much as 21%.
So how does exercise achieve such amazing improvements in longevity?
1. Regular exercise can improve your VO2 max -- that means your body consumes more oxygen -- helping you fight off aging.
2. It helps burn calories and prevents fat accumulation.
3. Muscles stay stronger longer as exercise pushes back against age-related fading of muscle mass. That protects you from falls, increasingly sedentary behavior and chronic conditions like heart disease.
4. Walking, yoga and strength-training can all help protect bones from osteoporosis.
5. Physical activity reduces the risk of dementia.
6. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and breast and colon cancer.
7-9. Exercise also boosts energy (making everyday activities less stressful) and helps control depression and anxiety. It also eases chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis
10-12. The last three benefits: better sleep, better sex and better-looking skin.
What's not to love? So, start today with a walking program, a yoga class or a game of pickleball! For help sticking to your workout plan, get a buddy and read my book "This Is Your Do-Over."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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