Staying active not only keeps you healthy, but it may even prolong your life. That’s what a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network™ suggests. According to their findings, the risk of mortality decreases upwards of 30% for people of all ages who remain physically active. If you want to take advantage of this, a group fitness class will help you reach that goal. If you want to know more about this link, here’s a guide to the connection between exercise and longevity and how to stay motivated.
How Physical Activity Increases Life Expectancy
Consistently engaging in physical activity can increase life expectancy by nearly five years, as it helps maintain healthy body weight, supports bone, muscle, and joint health, mitigates the risk of disease, and nurtures mental well-being.
To reap this benefit, it’s recommended that adults get at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as walking briskly, swimming, and weight training. You can also opt for 1.25 hours of vigorous activities per week, which may include hiking, fast biking, jumping rope, or swimming laps. However, even low-impact workouts increase lifespan. This can be stretching, yoga, or using an elliptical machine at a slow pace. The positive effects also come for those diagnosed with a chronic illness like cancer or heart disease, which tend to otherwise decrease life expectancy.
How Group Fitness Helps
Although any kind of activity is beneficial, you must stick to the routine. Finding the motivation to work out can be challenging when you’re by yourself, so doing so in a group setting can help you achieve this. Being surrounded by others who share the same goals may provide the inspiration you need to keep going. Group fitness also holds you accountable, as you’re more likely to show up if you know you have friends and an instructor counting on your presence. Group fitness also provides varied exercises that make training fun, helping you look forward to your workouts and want to keep attending.
The instructors at Melt RX Fitness in Redondo Beach, CA, and Littleton, MA, will help you achieve your goals. They provide high-intensity group fitness classes and training in a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. Regardless of age or experience, you’ll find a workout regimen that works for you. Visit their website to view a class schedule or call (310) 922-2185 to enroll.
