MORE IMPORTANT EXERCISE YOUNG OR OLD?
Report #7298
Is it more important to exercise when you are young or when you are old?
Harvard and University of Michigan varsity letter-winners do not live longer than their less-athletic classmates, but people who exercise regularly as they age /live 3 to 7 years longer than nonexercisers.
It's called reversibility. Every benefit gained by exercising is lost after you stop. Muscles enlarged by lifting heavy weights return to their previous size soon after you stop lifting and people who do aerobic exercise have slow heart rates and a markedly increased ability to take in and use oxygen. Regular exercise is the most effective way to prevent the gradual weight gain that often comes with aging. If you're tired of being out of shape, check with your doctor. Then pick a continuous sport that you will enjoy doing such as walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, and so forth. Start out by exercising slowly and comfortably until your muscles start to feel heavy or hurt and then stop for the day. Do this every other day and gradually increase the time you spend exercising, always stopping when your leg muscles feel heavy or hurt. When you can exercise continuously for 30 minutes, three times a week regularly, you are fit and don't need to do more unless you want to.
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D., for CBS Radio News
Checked 8/9/05