11 ways exercise improves health and fights aging

It's no secret that exercise tones up muscles, protects bones, burns calories, and increases energy, but did you know that it also fights the aging process itself? We'll go over the research and give you one more reason to take up an active lifestyle.

New studies are showing that exercise acts as a powerful “vaccine” that can help combat the aging process. In a recent study, University of Florida exercise physiologists put healthy people aged 60 to 85 on weight-training programs for six months, then tested for signs of free radical damage. Here were the results:

• The low-intensity exercisers had a drop in free radical damage
• The high-intensity exercisers had a slight increase
• A control group of non-exercisers had a whopping 13 percent rise in free radical damage

In a second study at the same university, researchers found that fitting in an hour of activity a day for just three days raised levels of an important free radical–fighting compound called superoxide dismutase. This compound may help to disarm free radicals, preventing the cholesterol oxidation that can lead to blood clots and heart attack.

Of course, that's not the only reason to take a walk, try a few easy strength-training moves, or add extra bursts of movement into your day. Studies show that movement can:

1. Ease the ache of arthritis
2. Lower your Alzheimer's risk
3. Keep your bones strong
4. Soothe anxiety
5. Reduce your chances of developing diabetes
6. Lower your odds for colon, breast, and prostate cancer
7. Help you sleep better
8. Boost your energy levels
9. Help you achieve your healthiest weight
10. Maintain muscle strength
11. Improve balance and flexibility so you're less likely to fall

The best time to add some extra movement into your life is now. And remember: exercise doesn't have to feel like work. Just find an activity that you enjoy and start reaping all of the benefits.