You may not be able to run away from growing older, but you may be able to run off some of its effects! A recent study from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN suggests that increased aerobic activity may be a deterrent to dementia later on in life.
Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior. Most types of dementia such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and vascular dementia are non-reversible. However, the Mayo study also concludes that aerobic exercise may be able to slow down the progression of dementia when it starts.
What qualifies as aerobic exercise?
According to the study, aerobic exercise is defined as any physical activity that gets the body’s heart pumping and increases its need for oxygen. Examples include walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, climbing stairs or regularly participating in a fast paced gym workout routine.
An aerobic workout makes your heart beat faster, increasing the blood flow to your muscles and lungs and causing your small blood vessels (capillaries) to expand in order to deliver more oxygen to your muscles. This helps your body to carry away waste products, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid as well as release endorphins, natural painkillers that contribute to your overall sense of well-being.
And that’s not all!
Cardio/aerobic exercise promotes a healthier heart and can also help to reduce the risk of several other leading health conditions and diseases including obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer.
How can Future Fitness help you achieve your aerobic goals?
Whether it’s fun, high energy aerobic group classes such as Zumba®, Step Aerobics, and Spinning or our extensive selection of cardio equipment that includes ellipticals, treadmills, bikes, climbers, recumbent steppers, and incline walkers – Future Fitness health clubs offer an extensive range of exercise options guaranteed to get your heart pumping! Not to mention all of our cardio equipment is equipped with either a television and/or an Internet connection allowing you to tune in to your favorite TV programs or surf the web while you work out.
So what are you waiting for?
Drop into Future Fitness today! Talk to one of our personal trainers for additional ways to expand your workout repertoire with high energy, aerobic programs designed to increase vitality for optimum cardiovascular fitness and health. We’ll challenge you to push past your limits and help you keep your body – and your mind – performing in tip top shape.