Fitness: The Best Anti-Aging Remedy

 

Ever wonder how the likes of famous celebrities like Jennifer Lopez(51), Dwayne Johnson(48) and Omari Hardwick(46) have that youthful look?

Well, it boils down to their regular fitness routines and eating well. They might be blessed in the genes department; however, exercising plays a huge role in them looking younger.

Fun fact: People who exercise more appear to be younger at a cellular level than people who are sedentary. This is according to a recent study, published in the medical journal, Preventive Medicine.

Nobody likes growing old and helpless, and if a permanent solution to halt aging would ever be found, I bet most people would jump on it with open arms.

Why choose fitness over other anti-aging solutions?

There is a plethora of antiaging solutions cropping up in the beauty and aesthetic industry hence leaving a lot of people spoilt for choice. These come in the form of: 

• Skincare ointments.
•  Weight loss pills. 
• Botox and Dysport injections.
• Chemical peels. 
• Surgical methods, like body and facial liposculpture. 

Some of these products are fake and contain lots of chemicals which might do the body more harm than good. The surgical procedures also, if not done by the right professionals end up scarring or causing harm. 

I mean, how many botched-up plastic surgeries have you heard of...many, right?

A more natural method is therefore required, and this is where fitness comes in. Keeping fit doesn't necessarily translate into enrolling into a gym and performing weight lifting workouts or any other types of exercises that people might consider strenuous.

Performing simple routines like jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing, yoga, hiking, and other activities which keep your heart rate up is also effective. 

Now let's delve into how these exercise routines help you maintain or perhaps get that youthful look:         

• Slows Cell Aging

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Studies show that: not only does exercising make you look younger, but it also turns off the aging process.

How does it do this?

 

Well, the process happens in chromosomes. This is based on a recent study on telomeres(the caps at the end of chromosome responsible for cell aging, which get shorter as we grow older). Regular exercise actually lengthens them.

• Smooth Glowing Skin

If you are looking for that natural glow, exercising is the way forward. 

Here's why:

It increases the amount of blood flowing to the skin. This supplies more oxygen and eliminates waste from the skin cells leaving the cells healthy, vital and nourished. It also reduces skin acne.

So ladies, enough of that expensive skincare regimen!

The muscles are also toned, making the skin taut and less likely to sag. The collagen tissue which keeps the skin firm and compact is also regenerated.

• Stress Reliever and Mood Booster

Wondering how to manage and reduce your stress levels?

A good workout routine certainly helps.

That good feeling you get after a workout comes down to endorphins. These are body chemicals that the system emits when you are active.

"Endorphins are like natural opiates," as mentioned by Eric Sternlicht, PhD, associate professor of kinesiology at Chapman University.

You also tend to feel confident and happy after a workout.

• Increases Metabolism and Energy Efficiency

Exercise is linked to burning calories, leading to an increase in metabolism. The more you run, swim, stretch or lift, the more your metabolism increases even when you are resting.

It helps to maintain a healthy body and keeping weight off. This leaves your face and body looking younger. 

In the words of a famous writer, Bill Gifford, "Aging makes you fat, and then your fat makes you age."

• Posture and Flexibility

As you age, there's constant muscle loss and changes in the bone density. 

How does working out stop this?

Strength training has shown to help build, maintain muscles and improving bone health. This leads to a stronger core and spine hence preventing that slouching posture as you grow older. 

Exercises like swimming and dancing also help loosen up joints and muscles which would otherwise be fixed in place.

• Reduces a Large Number of Health Risks

Regular exercise reduces the risks of dementia, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. It also wards off various cardiovascular ailments.

A huge percentage of the population suffers at least one of these diseases at the later stages of their lives.

Don't be part of the statistics!

Now you know why everyone is hyped up about fitness. Jump on the bandwagon and get that desired body you've always dreamed of. If you make fitness a lifestyle, you might even maintain that body for decades to come.

Getting that eye-candy look will also make you rack up points in the court of public opinion. This will give you that confidence boost you need to face the world. 

"Your health is your biggest wealth."

Did I miss anything?

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