Am I Moving Enough?

By Andy Park DC,

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Specialist.

Am I moving enough?

How moving now will affect your independence in your golden years.

Starting to exercise in early adulthood can profoundly affect your quality of life as you age. The benefits are extensive and span various aspects of physical, mental, and emotional health. Here’s an in-depth look at how early exercise can influence your life in the long run:

Physical Health Benefits

  1. Chronic Disease Prevention:

    • Regular physical activity helps prevent many chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. By maintaining a consistent exercise routine from early adulthood, you can significantly reduce the risk of these conditions.

    • Exercise helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

  2. Bone Health:

    • Engaging in weight-bearing exercises such as running, walking, or resistance training increases bone density. This is crucial for preventing osteoporosis, a common condition in older adults that leads to fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures.

    • Maintaining bone density from a young age ensures stronger bones and a more resilient skeletal system in later years.

  3. Muscle Mass and Strength:

    • Regular strength training helps build and maintain muscle mass. As people age, muscle mass naturally decreases, a condition known as sarcopenia. Starting exercise early helps mitigate this decline.

    • Increased muscle strength improves balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and related injuries, which are common in older adults.

  4. Weight Management:

    • Consistent physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight by balancing calorie intake and expenditure. This reduces the risk of obesity and its associated health problems, such as metabolic syndrome and joint issues.

    • Managing weight from an early age reduces the strain on the body’s systems and joints, preventing arthritis and other weight-related conditions.

Mental Health Benefits

  1. Cognitive Function:

    • Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function and delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, promoting the growth of new neurons and enhancing brain plasticity.

    • Engaging in regular exercise improves memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, helping to maintain mental sharpness well into old age.

  2. Mood and Emotional Well-being:

    • Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural mood lifters. This can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

    • Regular exercise fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem, contributing to a positive outlook on life.

Social and Lifestyle Benefits

  1. Social Interaction:

    • Participating in group exercises, sports, or fitness classes provides opportunities for social interaction and building friendships. This social engagement can combat loneliness and social isolation, which are common issues among older adults.

    • Maintaining a social network through exercise can provide emotional support, enhance the sense of community, and improve overall life satisfaction.

  2. Active Lifestyle Habits:

    • Establishing an exercise routine in early adulthood encourages the development of other healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular medical check-ups.

    • An active lifestyle promotes greater mobility and independence in older age, enabling individuals to perform daily tasks more easily and enjoy recreational activities.

Longevity and Quality of Life

  1. Increased Longevity:

    • Numerous studies have shown that regular physical activity is associated with a longer life expectancy. By reducing the risk of chronic diseases and maintaining overall health, exercise contributes to a longer and healthier life.

    • Physical fitness allows for a higher quality of life, with the ability to engage in activities and hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment.

  2. Improved Functional Capacity:

    • Maintaining physical fitness helps preserve functional capacity, allowing older adults to perform everyday activities with ease. This includes activities like climbing stairs, carrying groceries, and gardening.

    • Greater functional capacity leads to increased independence, reducing the need for assistance or long-term care.

Keeping all of those points in mind, it goes without saying that starting to exercise in early adulthood is a powerful investment in your future health and well-being. The physical benefits include prevention of chronic diseases, improved bone health, muscle strength, weight management, and enhanced functional capacity. Mentally, exercise boosts cognitive function, mood, and emotional well-being. Socially, it promotes interaction, builds relationships, and fosters a sense of community. If you feel overwhelmed and do not know where to start, just start by doing something you like. It might look like taking golf lessons, doing calisthenics outside, taking a zumba class, or getting into powerlifting. Do what interests you so you are motivated to keep doing it for life!

By integrating regular physical activity into your routine early in life, you set the foundation for a healthier, more active, and fulfilling future. The habits you develop in your younger years will pay dividends in maintaining your independence and quality of life as you age. It’s never too early to start, and the benefits will last a lifetime.

If you have gotten this far into the article and are saying to yourself that you want to move and appreciate the benefits of exercising but are in too much pain or are too worried about injuring yourself to exercise, talk or meet with us and let us show you how we can help you get going in the right direction!

We hope you found this article to be enlightening! If you’re an athlete or an active individual who is also experiencing an injury or want to improve your performance, then don’t wait any longer. Give us a call (773-296-2766) or text us at (773-692-0670) to book your FREE Discovery call or Movement Assessment today!

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  1. Share this Article with a Friend or Family member who has been dealing with a sports injury, pregnancy related pain or dysfunction, or any other type of physical issue (i.e. hip or knee pain, low back pain, shoulder pain etc.) We can help!

  2. Call our office TODAY at (773) 296-2766 to book your New Patient appointment or schedule a free chat (discovery call) with us to see if we can help you out or if you have other questions about care or costs. You can book either by clicking here!

  3. Keep an eye out for out next article!

Andy Park