How would you like to be active during your retirement?  You should be entitled to cash in on all of that free time by doing the activities that you’ve dreamed of during all of your working years.  You should be able to play tennis, go hiking, golf and enjoy your family. With the potential of no outside financial support (social security & government) the average age of retirement is going up and up.  Wouldn’t you like to enjoy those years to the fullest extent?

 

401K For Your Body

A study conducted on aging found that weight loss and increased physical fitness resulted in halving the risk of losing ability.  Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D., director of the NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) stated, “These findings add support to making lifestyle changes that improve health and reduce disability…”  He goes on to say that these changes provide “a good return on investment.”  That’s exactly what increased physical fitness and weight loss is, an investment.

 

Here’s the Nitty Gritty

Here’s the information that people usually overlook.  Like the booklet the insurance company sends you outlining your benefits and what’s covered.  So pay attention.

 

    • There were 2 groups in the study.  Group 1 achieved weight loss through calorie reduction and increased physical activity.  Group 2 attended meetings intended to educate participants and provide social support.
    • Assessments included (but not limited to):
      • Running
      • Lifting heavy objects
      • Pushing a vacuum cleaner
      • Playing golf
      • Climb stairs
      • Bend, stoop, kneel
      • Walk a mile/walk a block
      • 4 years passes and Group 1 was 48% less likely to develop a mobility related disability.
      • Group 1 also reported higher ratings of improved mobility than Group 2.

 

Bottom Line:  Reducing weight and improving physical fitness, when done correctly, will allow you to lead a higher quality of enjoyable life that includes both activities of daily living and recreational activities.

 

References
NIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive a. (2012, March 30). “Weight Loss And Increased Fitness Slow Decline Of Mobility In Adults.” Medical News Today. Retrieved from
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/243524.php.
Photo courtesy of  photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?
Photo Courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotoes.net Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

Brent

Brent

President, Personal Training Manager at Body By Brent LLC
Brent
Brent
Brent