It’s common knowledge that physical fitness is essential, particularly as we age. Your fitness level can help combat many conditions that become more prevalent as we age. Enhancing flexibility, improving our immune system’s ability to ward off chronic illnesses, and maintaining a healthy weight are some physical benefits of routine exercise and activity. Training and working out can also improve our mental health. Helping achieve better sleep, improving our mood, and boosting overall brain function. Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center is here to help you achieve that.
Study Reveals Risk Of Stroke In Unfit Individuals
A recent study may give us another reason to get off the couch and move regularly to increase our fitness level. The study, conducted in Norway, revealed that enhancing baseline fitness levels may reduce the risk of stroke and prevent early death. Published in the American Hearth Associates (AHA) journal, the test targeted 1,400 men ranging in age from 40 to 59.
The study placed the men into four categories:
- Remained fit
- Became unfit
- Remain unfit
- Became fit
After categorizing the participants, the study followed and analyzed the men for a total of 35 years, or until they died. Over the study period, the researchers discovered that the participants who began the process with a lower fitness level but became more active later had a 60% reduced risk of having a stroke and a 34% lower risk of dying than participants who remained unfit throughout the study.
Additionally, participants who started with high fitness levels and were deemed unfit later were almost 2.5 times as likely to suffer a stroke and showed a 74% increase in the likelihood of death when compared to those who stayed fit throughout the entire study.
Your Fitness Level Should Be A Lifelong Pursuit
The Norway study further emphasizes making physical fitness a lifelong pursuit. However, knowing it’s never too late to start working out is critical. Other studies indicate that even mild exercise routines can yield significant health benefits. Thus, it is necessary to start moving, no matter what your age is.
Before starting any physical fitness regime, it’s essential to consult with your doctor. Your physician can examine your current health levels and work with you to develop a plan. This will be your baseline as you begin your journey to better health.