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Fitness: The secret to aging exceptionally well

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Fitness: The secret to aging exceptionally well

The story of an 82-year-old Italian who decided to take up triathlon at the age of 75 shows it’s never too late to become more active.

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Exceptional aging is a relatively new term, given that for decades getting older was viewed as a time to slow things down. Reading books, taking long walks, working in the garden and indulging in mid-day naps was how the second half of life was supposed to look. Yet despite society’s acceptance that aging is synonymous with idleness, a few old geezers didn’t listen. Thank goodness. Science has documented a growing number of active older adults who have proven that, despite an inevitable decline in the physical function, biological aging doesn’t impede exceptional aging. In other words, age and aging don’t always progress at the same rate.

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There’s no better example of the untapped potential of our senior population than a recently published case study of an 82-year-old Italian male who decided to take up triathlon at the age of 75. Admittedly he was already active, playing tennis, golf, swimming and walking a few hours a week, before deciding to enter his first sprint distance triathlon (750-metre swim, 20-kilometre bike and five-kilometre run). By the time he was 82, he was training like someone decades younger. A typical weekly schedule included three 60-minute swim workouts, cycling two to three hours twice a week and four running workouts of about an hour each — adding up to 10-12 hours of physical activity on a seven-day cycle. He also participated in what the authors of the case study described as “an extraordinary number of competitive events.”

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That kind of dedication to improving performance resulted in a VO2 max (a measure of aerobic power) of 39.8, 164 per cent over and above what’s considered the norm for men in their 80s. Impressively, it also ranks in the 60th percentile of men in their 40s.

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“To the best of our knowledge, the cardiorespiratory fitness described is the third highest ever described in the literature among octogenarians,” said the authors of the case study.

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Results like this provide much needed motivation for our aging society not just to stay active, but also to take on new physical challenges even at an advanced age. With one-quarter of Canadians 65 years and older by 2040 and 80-year-olds part of the fastest growing age demographic in the world, it’s time to change the narrative suggesting that aging and exercise don’t go together — especially among people in their 70s and 80s.

Yet despite the spectacular results achieved by this active 82-year-old, don’t start thinking that 80 is the new 40. There’s no disputing that the body’s cells, muscles, tissues and organs begin a gradual decline in function as early as our 30s. Aerobic capacity falls by three to six percent in the third and fourth decade of life. After age 70, that loss of aerobic power accelerates to more than 20 per cent per decade. But not everyone’s physiological decline is at the same rate nor is it permanent once it starts waning. A study of elite male long-distance runners who maintained a vigorous training schedule noted a decline in VO2 max by a mere 0.6 per cent a year over a 22-year period, compared to a 1.5 per cent annual decline in their sedentary peers. An inactive lifestyle accelerates the aging process. Regular exercise slows it down.

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That’s not to say that every 80-year-oid who hits the gym has found the fountain of youth. Far from it, especially when it comes to competing at the elite level. Studies of masters athletes show that world-class times don’t age well. Strength, speed and power decline with age, even among the best athletes in the world, with an expected reduction in athletic performance of 46.5 per cent from 25 to 89 years old or about 0.7 per cent a year.

That may seem to deny the theory that training at the same intensity and volume as someone decades younger can forestall the aging process. But the goal isn’t to compete in the Olympics against athletes decades younger, but rather to live life to its fullest for as long as possible. That can best be achieved by avoiding chronic diseases, maintaining mobility and independence and staying mentally sharp and socially engaged.

An active lifestyle does all of that and more, even if you aren’t prepared to take up triathlon when you retire or spend 8-10 hours a week training to compete in the masters’ circuit. What the workout regimen of an 82-year-old triathlete demonstrates is that trainability doesn’t disappear with age. Taking up a new sport, setting ambitious fitness goals and getting into tip-top shape aren’t solely youthful pursuits.

“Participation in lifelong exercise may play a key role in maintaining or improving cardiorespiratory fitness, even at 80-plus years of age,” said the researchers who studied the late bloomer octogenarian.

These findings aren’t just important for anyone in their golden years, but also for those approaching middle age. Regular exercise is one of the most effective strategies for maintaining health and wellness no matter what year you’re born. And don’t fall into the mindset that age offers an opportunity to take your foot off the gas. The more regular and vigorous the workouts, the more likely it is that you extend the athletic vigour of youth well into your later years. Maybe you won’t be crossing the finish line as quickly as you once did, but crossing the finish line at 80-plus is the type of exceptional aging we can all strive to achieve.

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Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

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Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

Forget boring home workouts, on-demand HITT classes and cold winter runs.

The latest wellness trend bouncing around TikTok involves a workout you might not even realize you’re doing, and that’s the point. It’s called rebounding. This low-impact exercise involves jumping on a mini fitness trampoline — called a rebounder — to get your heart pumping and support lymphatic drainage.

On Amazon, this best-selling model is currently on sale for just $129. It measures in at just 40 inches, making it ideal for small spaces while still offering room for an adult to jump, squat and jog in place. Users swear it gives them a seriously effective full-body workout, and many remark that it’s “so much fun” to use.

Clinical trials also back the benefits: a 12-week rebounding program for overweight women showed significant improvements in body composition as well as a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

Ready to jump on the rebounding trend, too? You’d better hop on this Amazon deal fast.

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This sleek rebounder by BCAN is sturdy and easy to set up, thanks to pre-assembled bungees and simpel video tutorial.

Reviewers say it’s completely changed their workouts, with one remarking they “feel like a little kid again.” Others have also noted it’s much easier on their joints than higher-impact exercises.

“It absorbs impact well and allows for a nice, smooth rebound that is gentle on the joints, making it perfect for a low-impact cardio workout,” one person explained. “Whether I’m doing high-intensity intervals or simply bouncing for fun, the movement feels fluid and responsive.

The BCAN model features an upgraded handlebar for added stability. It’s 8mm premium bungee — with a durable woven outer layer and a 350-strand natural latex core — delivers smooth, quiet bounces, so you can enjoy your workout without disturbing others.



This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

Exercise is often spoken about in the context of physical fitness – stronger muscles, better stamina and improved overall health. But its value, especially for children, extends far beyond the body. Regular physical activity can quietly shape character, teaching lessons about effort, patience, discipline and resilience that mirror how the real world works. From learning to cope with discomfort to understanding that progress takes time, exercise can become a powerful training ground for life itself.

Exercise is important for kids. (Image generated via Google Gemini)

Also Read | Chennai fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares 5 simple things to focus on for long-term fitness

Chennai-based fitness trainer with 18 years of experience, Raj Ganpath – founder of the Slow Burn Method, co-founder and head coach at Quad Fitness, and author of Simple, Not Easy – is shedding light on why exercise is important for kids, with the benefits going beyond health and fitness. In an Instagram video shared on February 27, he explains how the impact of exercise extends far beyond physical wellness, shaping resilience, discipline and long-term character development.

Embracing discomfort

According to Raj, exercise is one of the healthiest ways to help children learn how to sit with discomfort in a safe, structured and sustainable way. Life inevitably brings challenges and unease – something adults understand well – but many children today are shielded from situations that test their resilience.

He explains, “Exercise is a great way to experience this discomfort in a safe and sustainable manner. Lifting weights, holding a plank, doing cardio, repping till it burns, all of these things are opportunities to embrace discomfort, opportunities to put themselves in a place where they’re not comfortable and learn from it, opportunities to practice physical and mental resilience.

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Learning hardship

The fitness trainer emphasises that hardship is an inevitable part of life, and meaningful success often requires pushing through moments of difficulty. While most adults recognise this truth through lived experience, children may not always have the same exposure to challenge. Raj believes exercise can bridge that gap.

He elaborates, “It will teach them that they need to do hard things if they want to accomplish something. Getting through a very hard workout, setting a goal and achieving it, completing a task. All of these things are not just random chores. These are incredible opportunities – opportunities to experience hardship and build fortitude.”

Delayed gratification

In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for instant gratification is stronger than ever – and children are growing up at the centre of it. With technology, streaming platforms and 10-minute delivery services, almost everything is available at the tap of a screen. As a result, the ability to wait, persist and work steadily towards a long-term goal can easily take a back seat. Exercise, notes Raj, offers a powerful counterbalance.

He explains, “Everyone wants everything right away today. This is true for us adults too, but it is even more true for our kids because this is the only world they know. A world where everything happens right then and right there, whenever they want it, wherever they want it. Exercise will teach them to wait, to be patient, to trust the process, to fail and still keep going, to work towards something larger that they will get much later. This is a very important character building quality and will serve them well for many, many years to come.”

The fitness trainer concludes, “Exercise is not just about health and fitness. It is a simulation of life itself. A ready-made character building tool available to you to help prepare your kids for life, the raw and real life that they’re going to have to deal with no matter what. So make sure they build the habit and make sure they embrace it.”

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Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

The World Health Organization says the average adult is supposed to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week, which sounds somewhat doable until it’s 9 p.m., your kids are finally in bed, and you just want to fall onto the couch and dissociate. But more and more people online are talking about “movement snacks” — little bite-sized amounts of exercise you can do throughout your day to meet your 60-minute goal without having to make special time for one big workout. Because yes, we all want to be our healthiest, but sometimes a HIIT class at the gym is just not in the schedule.

We asked personal trainers and fitness coaches for their favorite movement snacks you can do in the office, around the house, and on busy weekends when everyone’s home.

How much exercise is a person really supposed to get?

While the WHO recommends 60 minutes a day, the CDC is a little more lax, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. While it may feel like you’re the only one struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s always been hard for most Americans. So, while movement snacks may be a cute new term we’re all hearing for the first time, fitness pros have been promoting bite-sized exercise forever.

“I work with busy professionals, so I’ve been integrating micro workouts of two to 10 minutes into my clients’ lifestyles for almost 20 years,” says Andrea Marcellus, certified personal trainer and CEO of AND/life.

The most important thing for your health isn’t getting all your daily movement done in one big, perfectly curated workout — it’s about being consistent, Marcellus says. Movement snacks can help you stay consistent because you don’t have to budget a big chunk of time; instead, you can fit something simple into your day when you have three minutes to spare. Hell, you don’t even have to change clothes or go anywhere.

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“Most people think movement only counts if it’s a workout. That mindset is what keeps people sedentary. In reality, your body doesn’t care if steps come from a hike, a gym session, or pacing when you’re on a call,” says Lindy Royer, physical therapist and balanced body educator. “This is where you win the game — by stacking movement into things you’re already doing.”

Movement Snacks To Try Throughout Your Day

  • Set an alarm on your phone to chime every hour — that’s what women’s fitness coach Allison Kalsched tells her clients. When it goes off, stand up and do 10 bodyweight squats. Then go back to work. When you get tired of squats, mix in walking lunges, push-ups (it’s fine if they’re modified!), or dead bugs. Throw on 30 seconds of jumping jacks or high knees for bone-building benefits, which is important for women in menopause, she adds.
  • Take a micro walk. “Five minutes or 500 steps is my absolute favorite,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy, author of the forthcoming book Walk, and exercise physiologist at US Physical Therapy. “It changes mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental clarity, and can help you get your cumulative steps in.”
  • Dance to your new favorite song with your kids or all by yourself. “Dance party was big with my kids after dinner,” Marcellus says. “It takes four to 10 mins and helps kids burn off dinner energy, while also giving parents a metabolic boost.”
  • Stop and do 60 reps of any full-body exercise, like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks — this usually takes about two minutes, no matter which one you choose, Marcellus says. Or, hold a plank for one to two minutes.
  • Pair walking with habits that already exist to get your steps in, like marching in place while brushing your teeth or doing a lap inside the house while your food is in the microwave. “This means you’re not adding time — you are upgrading your time,” says Royer.
  • Count your housework. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, general domestic labor — these things totally contribute to your total exercise time each day, says Royer.
  • If you go up or down the stairs at home, just… do it two or three times. That little extra here and there adds up, according to Royer.

The best advice is to focus not on “how can I move right now?” but “how can I do something that isn’t sitting right now?” Royer says. “The real truth that most people ignore is that sedentary time is the real enemy, not a lack of workouts. Focus on breaking up your sitting time. Build in frequent movement snacks. You’re not looking for perfection, just something more than nothing. You don’t need more time; you actually just need more conscious efforts to move.”

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