Aging Muscles and Exercise Intensity
We all know that exercise is good for us. But, just what is best for us folks with aging mitochondria? This study compares weight lifting, interval training(high paced stationary bike riding for short periods of time), moderate exertion stationary bike riding, and a non exercise group. The interval training exercisers game out significantly ahead . “It seems as if the decline in cellular health of muscles associated with aging was “corrected”with exercise, especially if it was intense, says the studies senior author, Dr. Streekumaran Nair, at the Mayo Clinic.
Does Swimming count?
“How does that relate to me and my almost 80 year old body,” I wondered. My exercise of choice is swimming and dancing. I have been doing 30 laps or so three times a week, all at a moderate pace. Based on my interpretation of the study, I am now sprinting 4 of those laps. In dancing, where appropriate, I am adding short times of fairly energetic movement. Will it do me any good? I don’t know, but it at least feels good, and what counts more than that!
My source: A New York Times Article
The New York Times article where I learned of the study was in the March 23, 2017article and is available here.