Younger Next Year

I recently came across a book review in a fitness trade magazine. It was a review of the book Younger Next Year - A Guide to Living Like 50 Until You're 80 and Beyond, written by Chris Crowley and Dr. Henry Lodge. The idea presented in the book is that with proper exercise, you won't lose much function between the ages of 50 and 80, or older.

The authors advise joining a gym and to try a group exercise class. Dr. Lodge believes that some 70% of premature death and aging is related to our lifestyles, which would include a lack of exercise. That many of the diseases related to aging, such as heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes, among others, could be reduced significantly through lifestyle modifications.

Lodge also speaks of certain chemicals in our bodies that control inflammation, repair, and growth. These chemicals, known as Cytokines, are produced in response to exercise, and help to keep your body from decaying. The idea is that your body is going to get older, but without exercise it will decay and lose function (your health) at a faster rate, unnecessarily.

Just by adding more movement to your normal day, whether it be walking, joint mobility, strength training, or whatever will add more "life" to your years.

Gyms and healthclubs are great places to exercise that usually have a variety of classes and equipment to appeal to most people, but if you would rather exercise on your own, whether outdoors or at home, you will still get the same benefits. Movement is vital to your health and wellbeing.

There are many cases of older adults who exercise frequently and have lost very little function. In one of my articles, I mentioned the 84 year old instructor of Capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art. The man who walked an hour each way to teach the classes, 5 days a week. The 101 year old woman who trained with weights and does other exercise. She has her mobility and independence, and sings in her church choir.

Maybe if we exercised and ate better, we wouldn't need to take so many drugs, as we get older. I know my eating habits aren't quite as good as they could be, yet due to all the mobility and dynamic flexibility work, I feel no different than I did 10 years ago.

By improving how I ate that number would probably be even greater. So if nothing else, include more walking into your week and remember, it doesn't have to be done all at one time.

The book review was written by Rich Boggs and this book is one that I definitely would like to read. Don't wait until you have some health problems before you decide to start exercising. Its easier to prevent something than it is to fix it later. Focus on prevention.

For more information on mobility training and other anti-aging articles, go to www.brianmorganfitness.com