Are you a runner? If not, you may want to consider picking up this healthy habit. It seems to have incredible anti-aging benefits. Don’t believe us? This news comes straight from the mouths of researchers!
Where It All Started – Exercise and Mice
In a preliminary study, Dr. Mark Tarnopolshy, who is a professor of pediatrics, found that exercise kept some mice from graying prematurely. When he noticed this, he decided to take it one step further.He conducted a second similar study, and learned that the effects of exercise had a lot to do with the mitochondria in the mice’s body. It seems as though aging causes mitochondria to slow down, which can cause cells to die. This is what can lead to muscles shrinking, brain volume dropping, hair falling out, and the list goes on.
When they decided to put mice to the test by having some of them run and others lead sedentary lives, they found remarkable differences in their aging. Those that exercised remained youthful at the same age versus those who were sedentary. Those in the non-exercise group ended up bald, weak, and had lower life spans.
The Effects on Humans
To bring this over to humans, Associate Professor Rodger Kram from the University of Colorado found that running does, in fact, keep people younger. It helps with sustaining energy levels. It also helps people have better mobility into their elderly years. These findings go hand-in-hand with the “”use it or lose it”” principle. The less you use your body, the less you’ll be able to use it.
While being able to move is a good thing, what many people also care about is how they look as they enter their Golden Years. What’s great is that running benefits the skin as well. In a book called, Older, Faster, Stronger, Margaret Webb tells of her youthfulness journey. A formerly overweight smoker, she started running when she was 40 and continues to run today.
Not only did she gain more energy, but she noticed that she started looking better too. She was able to get her youthful glow back. This is possible because running helps produce new cells, which make skin look more youthful.
Researchers have also found that aerobic exercise tones the skin, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Not to mention all of the stress relieving benefits of exercise which can reduce or eliminate certain skin conditions such as acne and eczema.
It’s important to note that there is such a thing as running too much though. Sadly it’s not a case of “just run till you’re young again”. In fact, running too much can lead to problems such as losing lean muscle mass as well as issues with your knees from the constant impact of running. Of course this is why it’s a good idea to spring for a quality pair of running shoes but even the best shoes won’t protect from all ailments as a result of over-running.
Warning: Before You Exercise
Running is a beneficial exercise for staying energetic, young, and beautiful, but don’t start a running program until you’ve checked with your doctor. You will want to be sure you are physically fit enough to put your body through this type of exercise. Once you have his or her approval, be sure to start slowly and increase your speed and distance gradually so you don’t suffer any injuries. If they don’t clear you for being able to start running ask what other activities you can safely do to help you stay healthy and in shape.
Botox and Facial Fillers Can Preserve Your Youthful Looks Too
Hey, we get it – running isn’t for everyone. Fortunately there are other things you can do to help reduce the appearance of those fine lines and wrinkles such as considering Botox and facial fillers. At James Christian Cosmetics we offer a wide range of services and products (such as creams) all geared towards helping you preserve your youthful looks. Get in touch with us for a custom consultation and to see what products and services we offer.
References and Notes:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/20/running-health-benefits_n_6185918.html
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/can-exercise-keep-you-young/?_r=0
*Information in the blog is provided for entertainment purposes only. Consult a medical professional before attempting any tips shown here.
