Recent research shows that regular high intensity interval training (HIIT) can improve your health and reverse normal age related decline, even if you’re ‘no spring chicken’. HIIT involves repeated short bursts of more intense activity followed by recovery periods of more gentle exercise.  Normally as you age your cells become less effective in generating energy which may aggravate fatigue, reduce muscle size and the ability of muscles to burn excess sugar. A US study gave people of different ages (18-30 and 65-80) different exercise regimes (interval training, weight training or a combination) for 3 months and took before and after measurements of their health. Interval training boosted the ability of the older volunteers to generate energy in their cells by 69% and in the younger group by 49%. The natural decline of cells to generate energy in older people was halted or even reversed – becoming more similar to younger people. If you practise interval training then you might also improve your lung, heart and circulatory health. The study showed that the amount of oxygen consumed during intense exercise increased by 28% in younger people and 17% in the older group. Whilst weight training can improve muscle mass it didn’t appear to trigger the energy and respiratory benefits. In the combination training group their oxygen consumption increased by 21% in the older exercisers and they showed an intermediate improvement in the effectiveness of cells to generate energy.

I you want some help to keep yourself fit and flexible enough to exercise give Back-in-Action a call on 01772 749245 to book a chiropractic, massage or sport rehabilitator appointment.