Lifespan and Healthspan, live longer and healthier
One aspect of fitness often discussed is how it improves our lifespan.
Lifespan is a measurement of how long we live.
We often hear about how exercise can increase our lifespan—how long we live. But while exercise can add a few years, our genes play a bigger role. What we can significantly impact is our healthspan—how long we live well.
It is more important to focus on what we can work towards and that is our healthspan.
Healthspan is a measurement of how long we live in good health. After healthspan comes morbidity—a period of declining health, disease, and reduced quality of life. But here's the good news: you have the power to delay morbidity and enjoy more vibrant years!
Through proper exercise and nutrition we can improve our healthspan and stave off morbidity. Things that we can fight off include metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and more.
While Wellness can extend lifespan by a few years, it can extend healthspan by decades!
What kinds of exercises should you be doing to extend your healthspan?
Cardiovascular Conditioning - Do cardio 3-5 days a week with a combination of moderate and vigorous intensity. This can help increase your cardiovascular fitness - VO2max (how much oxygen a person uses during activity), Maximal Heart Rate, Resting Heart Rate, etc.
Proprioceptive & Mobility Training - Improve mobility and range of motion through foam rolling and stretching, this will keep up loose and limber as we age. Improve proprioception (our sense of body position and movement) through core exercises and balance training, this helps prevent injuries and falls.
Resistance Training - This can improve bone density and lean body mass, which decrease as we age, so the more we have the better we fight off the effects of aging. Resistance training can be done through a variety of methods, including free weights, bodyweight, and machines.
Ready to extend your healthspan and live your best life? Let's get moving!
-Matthew Barrett, NASM-CPT
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