10 Reasons to Exercise
Straight out of science, we bring you ten of the best research-backed, age-defying reasons to get moving.
Youthful looks: Exercise protects against wrinkles, crows feet and other signs of skin ageing. Exercise triggers the release of interleukin 15 (IL-15) which prevents the loss of the thin layer of growing cells that provides the firmness and lustre of young, healthy skin.
Exceptional hearing: In old mice, regular exercise maintains the health of the cochlear (the inner ear).
A keen eye: Regular exercise reduces the risk of vision loss from macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetes – all major causes of visual impairment in the elderly.
Superb singing voice: Not keen on starting to speak and sing like your grandparents? Ageing changes our voices, due to changes in the structure of the larynx (voicebox), a condition known as presbyphonia. Exercise will have you speaking and singing like someone years younger.
A full head of hair: For women, exercise protects against the gradual loss of hair follicles and hair-thinning. For men, alas, exercise may accelerate hair loss – the gleaming crowns of fit guys can be attributed to surging testosterone levels.
Shagadelic sex life: It’s not just erectile dysfunction that is improved with exercise. Research points to the importance of core exercises for pelvic floor control and tight buns.
Super cells: Exercise is a natural gene therapy. Exercise programs cells to work harder and live longer.
Reduced cancer risk: Exercise fights oxidative stress and DNA damage, a major cause of cellular mutations and cancers.
Stay regular: Exercise reduces the risks of urinary incontinence and constipation.
Longevity: You are far more likely to live longer of you regularly exercise.
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This piece originally appeared on lesmills.com