Sweat your way to a younger you

Staying fit aerobically can delay aging by 12 years, a new study out of the University of Toronto has found.

Using aerobic capacity – the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use at a time – as a measure, the researchers looked at the impact of regular high-intensity aerobic exercise. While a 5 mL/kg-min (millilitre per kilogram-minute) decline in aerobic capacity every decade is the norm as we age, the researchers found that regular workouts could boost aerobic power by 25 percent. In some scenarios, that’s the equivalent of turning back the clock as many as 12 years! The results were reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Last week, Lisa Murphy also blogged about how cardiorespiratory fitness can also lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, even for women who are overweight or obese. Just in case you needed even more motivation.

Of course, a workout is not made of cardio alone. There’s also lots of research focusing on the benefits of weight training – for women especially.

So tell us, what’s your favourite way to work up a sweat? (CTV)