If you want to live a long life where your body and mind are both functioning well, and your overall quality of life is improving, it is important to make sure you are incorporating some type of physical activity into your daily routine. Being physically active has been proven to be associated with a higher life expectancy. Longevity refers to a long duration of individual life. Our life expectancy varies depending on a variety of factors such as genetics, lifestyle habits, healthcare, and physical activity. However, there are steps we can take to try and combat these factors and live longer, healthier lives.
What are the “Best” Types of Exercise for Longevity?
Ultimately, the best kind of workout is the one that you are going to be consistent with. Whether it be something lighter like an hour long walk outside, or a little more challenging like a CrossFit class, if you aren’t looking forward to or enjoying your workout, it is going to be a lot easier for you to give up working out all together then staying consistent.
A solid exercise routine typically includes a mix of mobility training, strength training, and cardio. Cardio especially has been proven to be a powerful longevity marker due to its boost of VO2 max, or the amount of oxygen your body can absorb and use during exercise. Increasing your cardiovascular endurance through running, walking, rowing, or cycling is a great habit to start implementing into your daily routine to help add on years to your life. Incorporating at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week is generally recommended.
Strength training has also been shown to not only decrease the rate of all-cause mortality, but significantly improves bone health. If you want to avoid injury, joint pain, or osteoporosis in your later years, it’s a good idea to start prioritizing strength training. Including weighted exercises in your workout routine helps to strengthen our muscles and increase muscle mass, which helps to support and protect our bodies. Aiming for about 40-60 minutes per week of strength training is a great place to start.
Mobility training helps the body move easier by increasing strength, flexibility, and balance. It also helps to improve muscle growth and prevent injury. When most people think of mobility, they think of static stretching exercises. While those do have benefits, resistance and strength training can be just as effective. Focusing on active mobility with resistance can help build strength as well as improve flexibility. Mobility is one of the biggest key factors in staying strong and active as you age so you can keep doing the things you love for years to come.
Can CrossFit improve Longevity?
The short answer is Yes! A CrossFit class combines mobility work, strength training, and the ability to increase your heartrate in a single class. Essentially, in a single class you are completing a combination of the three main forms of physical activity that have been proven to aid in a longer life. One of the most beneficial aspects of CrossFit is how individualized the workouts can be. Loads and intensity can be modified or scaled so the same program can improve fitness of athletes of all ages and fitness levels, meaning that it is a type of workout you can do at any age.
Lucky for you, EverProven provides not only general CrossFit classes open to all ages, but a Legends class geared towards athletes over fifty years old. EverProven’s Legend Program is inclusive for everyone, a great community, and a class that appreciates that as we age, we have different needs as athletes compared to when we were younger.
So if you’re looking for ways to lengthen your life a little longer, reach out to one of our coaches today to learn about which class is right for you!