Note: Everything mentioned in my blog is based on evidence-based research studies. I have no professional experience and don't claim any of the medical suggestions as my own. My attempt is merely to compile, explain, and present the findings of researchers in a manner that helps my readers implement lifestyle changes that improve their health. I strongly believe in and practice what I write about; these have helped me, and I hope they help you as well.

EXERCISE

CRAFTING THE OPTIMAL EXERCISE ROUTINE

We are all aware that exercise is one of the most effective and broad-spectrum modalities to improve your brain, body, healthspan (life quality), and lifespan (life quantity).

For example, aerobic exercise can increase gray matter [1] while also being a “a much better -predictor of survival than the number of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.” [2] Don’t forget about muscular strength, which is “independently associated with lower all-cause mortality.” [3] Not to mention, aerobic exercise “reduces stress and even appears to lengthen a small section of chromosomes that is believed to slow cellular aging.” [4] In addition, research [5] shows that yoga “improves participants' speed and accuracy on tests of memory and inhibitory control, two measures of brain function associated with the ability to maintain focus and take in, retain and use new information.” Need I say more?

Yes exercise is important for health. The key though is to figure out the exercise routine that can provide us the maximum health benefit in the time spent exercising. The intent of this article is to suggest an optimal routine, based on research studies and expert opinions.

This is a three part series covering the three pillars of exercise. I'm covering the first one this week, while the next two will be covered in the subsequent couple of weeks, ending the series with an example weekly exercise routine.

THE THREE PILLARS