Are you short on time and want to do a sport that slows down aging without the risk of injury? Good news, we have found the perfect activity for you that is accessible to everyone! In just 6 minutes a day, your physical and mental health will be invigorated like never before!
Aging is a natural process that begins very early, as soon as we become an adult. As the years go by, our physical and intellectual capacities decline and this is inevitable. Of course, it is a necessary step, but we all seek to delay the effects of time on our body, our skin, our hair… We apply anti-wrinkle creams and we color our hair.
Apart from the aesthetic aspect, each of us wants to limit the impact of aging. For this, sport is a precious ally. But which sporting activity is the most suitable and effective? We’ve found it for you and you won’t need to spend hours there. Just 6 minutes a day for surprising results !
Cycling is the best sport to fight against aging
It was The Physiological Society that shared this study carried out by researchers from the University of Otago, in New Zealand. These scientists highlighted that sport or fasting had an important role in the production of BDNF. It is an essential protein for making the brain, memory, and learning function and therefore fight aging.
The sport in question is high-intensity cycling also called HIIT. 6 minutes a day would be enough to boost our entire metabolism, our neurons, and our muscles, avoiding mental decline with the appearance of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. According to experts, it is better to do a short, intensive cycling session rather than a slower, more endurance one. The effects are five times greater.
All the benefits of cycling to prevent aging
The good news is that getting started on a bike isn’t too complicated. Just pedal! Here are all the positive effects that this discipline can bring you.
Cycling boosts immunity
The older we get, the more our immune system deteriorates. Our body produces fewer white blood cells, which form our protective shield, and therefore leaves the door open more easily to diseases and infections. Individuals who have cycled in their lives have a higher level of white blood cells in their blood than those who have been sedentary. Thus, their immune system becomes closer to younger people.
This sport prevents muscle aging
With the aging process, we lose muscle mass. It is possible to slow down this natural phenomenon by cycling. Indeed, this sport uses several muscles throughout the body, such as the pectorals, abdominals, arms, back, buttocks and of course the legs.
Thus, this discipline provides better muscle tone overall, because it works the deep muscle. In addition, it also reactivates blood circulation, without forgetting that it also fights cellulite.
Cycling strengthens the strength of bones and limits their aging
In addition to the muscles, cycling helps strengthen the bones and therefore prevents osteoporosis, which is one of the effects of aging. When pedaling, the muscles pull on the bones, which encourages bone formation and maintains the quality of bone mass.
A sporting discipline that increases aerobic capacity
Aerobic capacity is the ability of the lungs, heart,t, and circulatory system to circulate oxygen to the muscles needed to perform physical activity. Also called VO2 max, it is possible to improve this condition by cycling. Thus, the body is better oxygenated and functions better, therefore aging is controlled.
Cycling protects mental health
We often say that it is important to feel good in your body and your mind. The two are closely linked and sport helps unify them. With aging, older people tend to isolate themselves and become sedentary. Just the opposite of what you need to do to maintain a healthy mind in a healthy body.
Cycling can help you regain or maintain your mental health for several reasons. First of all, this sport can be practiced in a group, in a fitness room, during a spinning class, or outdoors in the open air within a group. Then, since cycling stimulates memory and concentration, it is also an excellent activity for seniors to maintain their independence and autonomy for as long as possible.
Joints remain protected
Since aging makes us more fragile, it is essential to find a sport that limits the risk of injuries and fractures, particularly at the joint level. Unlike more brutal running, cycling has less impact on the joints, even more so if you suffer from arthritis or osteoporosis.
Cycling helps improve balance
Since falls among seniors can cause serious long-term consequences, they must be avoided at all costs. For this, it is advisable to practice a sport that improves balance and mobility, such as cycling, which also improves posture and coordination. Essential skills to avoid falls.
