Health, Dr. Mao, Santa Monica

Exercise: The Top Anti-Aging Secret

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Dr. Mao Shing Ni

Posted Apr. 6, 2014, 9:04 am

Dr. Mao Shing Ni / Mirror Columnist

There is a great reason to get up and dust off the sneakers: research shows that exercise just might be one of the most effective ways to combat aging!

Not to mention it helps you lose weight, sleep better, look better… and the benefits go on and on. Here’s what the research says and some ways to get inspired to spring into shape!

Exercise & Aging: The Research

While it is no secret that exercise is good for you, recent research from Canada’s McMaster University found that endurance exercise cut short the aging process in mice – in spite of the fact that they were engineered to age faster.

After several months of treadmill exercise routine, these mice continued to appear as young as the normal mice that were not engineered to age faster. Additionally, researchers found that the exercise program prevented premature aging in almost every organ of the mice; in some cases, the organs were even made better with the exercise!

Overall, the research noted that the exercise routine provided almost perfect protection against muscle and brain atrophy and graying fur.

Want more good news? It’s never too late to get back on the treadmill. Other studies have shown that even subjects who have spent an excessive amount of time being sedentary can still gain the benefits from exercise, including increasing mobility, boosting energy, and supporting healthy, vital organs.

Bonus Tip: While pursuing optimum health and longevity, don’t overlook the power of herbal healing! Herbs like schisandra berry, fennel seed, and lycium berry can help you maintain your youthful glow inside and out. Consider supplementing your exercise routine with our specially blended Enduring Youth Anti-Aging Formula.

Get active every day to look and feel younger

Learn from the mice! The anti-aging is a systemic effect: you have to exercise regularly to get the benefits, not just on weekends. The exercise mice group jogged at a brisk pace on the treadmill for 45 minutes, three times a week. I would recommend at least 30 minutes, four to five times a week. Take your time and work up to it if you are out of shape.

Also, a note: Yes, exercise is wonderful for your health, but extreme exercise puts more wear and tear on the body, making it more prone to injuries. Gentle, slower, and deliberate movements are just as beneficial to your health, if not better, than fast-paced, forceful exercise.

Tai Chi: Gentle exercise with big benefits

This ancient Chinese martial art dates back to 12th century China and was used for defense training and promoting vitality. The slow, graceful movements of tai chi incorporate deep breathing and meditation, making it a safe, low-impact exercise that is appropriate for almost any age. Recent studies have found that tai chi increases energy, boosts immunity against viruses, lowers blood pressure, and improves cognitive function.

Dancing: Fun & effective

Dancing is a dynamic, lively workout form that can help you develop core strength, increase balance, and tone your entire body. Dance around to your favorite tunes at home or join a class to learn some new moves. Just one hour of an intense zumba class can burn up to 500 calories! Music and dance can also lift your spirits and boost levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, the feel-good chemical in your brain.

Brisk Walking: Low impact energy boost

Our bodies were created for movement, not for sitting behind a desk all day! Kick the spring season off with just 20 minutes of brisk walking daily. Add a few minutes every day and you’ll be up to 30 minutes or longer before you know it. This gentle, but effective physical activity will benefit your heart, help improve your digestion, boost your energy, and increase your metabolism.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best known as Dr. Mao is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine, and board certified anti-aging expert. He has recently appeared on “The Ricki Lake Show,” “Dr. Oz,” and contributes to Yahoo Health and The Huffington Post. Dr. Mao practices acupuncture, nutrition, and Chinese medicine with his associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica, Newport Beach, and Pasadena. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni, founded the Tao of Wellness more than 25 years ago in addition to founding Yo San University in Marina del Rey. To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment call 310.917.2200 or you can email Dr. Mao at contact@taoofwellness.com. To subscribe to his tip-filled newsletter, visit www.taoofwellness.com.