July 17, 2023 | by Raw Personal Training | Lifestyle, Personal Training,
The 3 Essential Pillars for a Long and Healthy Life
Living a long and fulfilling life is a goal that many of us strive for. To achieve this, it is crucial to focus on three key pillars of longevity: cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and mobility. By incorporating these pillars into our lifestyle, we can maintain optimal health and well-being. In this article, we will delve into the importance of each pillar and provide valuable insights on how to integrate them effectively.
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Cardiovascular Exercise: Boosting Longevity through Active Heart Health
Cardiovascular exercise plays a vital role in promoting longevity. Studies have demonstrated that an indicator of cardio fitness, known as VO2 max, is a significant predictor of a longer life. By engaging in two types of exercise, namely Zone 2 cardio and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), we can improve our cardiovascular health and increase our chances of living a longer life.
Zone 2 cardio involves low-intensity exercises such as walking or jogging while maintaining a conversational pace. This type of exercise, performed at 60-70% of your maximum heart rate, is recommended for approximately 150 minutes per week. On the other hand, HIIT training involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by periods of recovery. Including one session of 5-12 minutes of HIIT training, each week can significantly boost your VO2 max and overall cardiovascular fitness.
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Strength Training: Building Muscles for a Better Life
Strength training is essential for maintaining muscle mass and preventing age-related decline. As we age, muscle loss becomes increasingly prevalent, with a decline of 3-8% per decade after the age of 30. By incorporating strength training into our routine, we can combat this muscle loss and improve our quality of life.
To strengthen key areas such as the shoulders, knees, and hips, it is important to focus on specific movements rather than individual exercises. Squats, hinges, horizontal and vertical presses, lunges, carries or holds, and vertical and horizontal pulls are fundamental movements that target multiple muscle groups. Aim for three 30-minute strength training sessions per week, employing progressive overload techniques to continually challenge your muscles and promote growth.
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Mobility: The Key to a Pain-Free and Active Life
Maintaining mobility is crucial for enjoying a pain-free and active lifestyle. Unfortunately, prolonged sitting and sedentary habits can lead to decreased mobility over time. Mobility and flexibility are distinct concepts; while flexibility focuses on muscle lengthening, mobility emphasizes the ability to move while in a lengthened position.
Incorporating dynamic stretching exercises into your warm-up or daily routine can improve mobility, speed, strength, agility, and acceleration. Dynamic stretches involve moving in and out of a stretch while gradually increasing the range of motion. By performing dynamic stretches, you can enhance your overall mobility and achieve a wider range of movement.
To live a long and fulfilling life, it is crucial to prioritize cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and mobility. By incorporating these three pillars into our lifestyle, we can enhance our cardiovascular health, maintain muscle mass, and improve mobility. Remember to personalise your approach based on your fitness level and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen.
Embrace these pillars, stay consistent, and enjoy the benefits of a longer, healthier life.
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