Research Shows Musculoskeletal Exercise Promotes Longevity
A 2023 study reviewing research on the relationship between musculoskeletal exercise and longevity has shown that exercise can help increase life-span in a wide range of ways.1 Researchers from Weill Cornell medicine in New York City explain, “Resistance Training (RT) can diminish the rate of physiological deterioration associated with primary and secondary aging. The ways in which musculoskeletal exercises may essentially “resist” the usual aging processes and provide clinical benefits are summarized in Fig. 4.”
How Key Benefits of Exercise Increase Lifespan
Figure 4 lists as exercise benefits: reduced body fat, reduced blood pressure, increased bone density, benefits to cognitive function, and reduced risk of falling. All of these benefits counter aspects of the aging process which increase risk of death. For example, blood pressure increase associated with aging leads to increased risk for heart attack and stroke, but exercise lowers blood pressure and so decreases risk for heart attack and stroke. As another example, excessive body fat is associated with higher risk for many serious diseases including cancer, and exercise helps us shed pounds of body fat.
How to Use Resistance Training
The researchers give additional explanation of how to use RT to counter the aging process, which longevity-seeking biohackers should take careful note of: “To benefit from musculoskeletal training, it must be performed on a regular basis… One does not need specialized resistance machines to perform the common resistance exercises that optimize health. Using body weight, elastic bands, and use of free weights, such as dumbbells, medicine balls and kettlebells, can suffice to create a highly effective resistance training protocol. For those who are time pressed, some resistive exercises can be incorporated into various aspects of one’s lifestyle. For example, one can incorporate squats, lunges, wall pushups, or similar exercises while taking a break at work. Stair climbing and weight bearing calisthenics may also be similarly incorporated. Time permitting, individuals should seek to perform exercises that help condition each major muscle group of the body, including the arms, shoulders, chest, back, the abdomen, back, hips and legs.”
Counter the Aging Process With Regular Exercise, Over the Long-Term
Start working out consistently, and keep it up long-term, to help increase your lifespan! There are many benefits to regular exercise and regular strength-training, such as improved energy levels and improved mood. Keep moving and keep working out, and build up a regular exercising routine, and it will aid you greatly in living a long, healthy, and happy life.
- D’Onofrio, G., Kirschner, J. S., Prather, H., Goldman, D., & Rozanski, A. (2023). Musculoskeletal exercise: Its role in promoting health and longevity. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 77, 25–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2023.02.006
