Happy almost fall! As the days get shorter and cooler, I find myself indoors more often, curled up with a good book, and one book on my nightstand right now is Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity, by Peter Attia.
The tome is full of tons of advice on how to live a long and healthy life, but there was one recommendation that jumped off the page at me; Mr. Attia suggests that exercise is the most important tactic for longevity.
Is movement really the most important thing we can do to age healthily? I can’t say. But I do know that moving your body isn’t just important; it’s non-negotiable if you want to feel fabulous and age well.
Think of moving your body as your secret weapon against all those pesky health issues that can creep up on you—like that uninvited guest who just won’t leave.
Regular activity offers these benefits:
Helps you maintain a healthy weight
Steadies your blood sugar
Improves your heart health
Boosts your metabolism
Prevents the dreaded afternoon slump
Helps you focus
Releases dopamine, AKA the "happy hormone," which makes you feel..well…happy!
Regardless of your longevity goals, moving your body can pay dividends in how you feel, how you look and the positive energy you exude. By keeping your body moving, you're setting yourself up for enhanced wellbeing in the present moment, and down the road.
According to the CDC, adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, plus two additional strength training sessions each week.
Peter Attia says that we need three hours (180 minutes) of movement per week, to include stability, strength, aerobic and anaerobic sessions.
No matter your current activity level, commit to moving your body, most days, in a variety of ways.
So, go ahead—move it, groove it and own your day and the rest of your life!