5 Reasons You Should Move More

Movement is essential. From the moment we take our first steps as infants to the golden years of our lives, staying active has a positive impact on our overall well-being. However, as we age, maintaining activity can become more challenging. One significant reason is damage to your mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells that produce the energy for bodily functions, including movement.

Let's start with the basics: why is staying active so important, especially as we age?

The benefits extend far beyond just maintaining physical fitness. Regular physical activity is associated with numerous health perks. 

1. Enhanced Cardiovascular Health: Engaging in regular exercise strengthens the heart muscle, improves blood circulation, and helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Whether it's a brisk walk, a cycling adventure, or a dance session, every heartbeat is an investment in your cardiovascular health.
2. Improved Mobility and Flexibility: Regular movement keeps our joints supple, muscles strong, and helps prevent stiffness and discomfort. Activities like yoga, Pilates, or even simple stretching routines not only improve flexibility but also enhance overall mobility, allowing you to move with ease and grace at any age.
3. Elevated Mental Well-being: Exercise releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones that alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. Whether it's a solo run along the beach, a team sport, or a dance class, physical activity boosts cognitive function, sharpens focus, and uplifts mood, fostering a positive outlook on life.
4. Effective Weight Management: By engaging in diverse activities like swimming, hiking, or strength training, you not only burn calories but also build lean muscle mass, boosting metabolism and promoting healthy weight management.
5. Improved Healthspan: Perhaps the most compelling reason to keep moving is its profound impact on longevity (the number of years you live) and healthspan (the quality of the years you live). By making movement an integral part of your daily routine, you significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases, enhance overall vitality, and increase the likelihood of enjoying more quality years with loved ones.

The Link Between Physical Activity & Mitochondrial Health

Mitochondria act as the powerhouses of our cells, responsible for generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the essential energy currency. When mitochondria function optimally, they efficiently convert nutrients from our food into ATP, fueling various cellular processes, including muscle contraction for movement.

However, as we age, mitochondrial function may decline due to factors such as stress, inflammation, and exposure to environmental toxins. This decline can lead to a reduction in ATP production, resulting in fatigue, decreased muscle strength, and an overall decline in energy levels.

By supporting mitochondrial health, we can enhance ATP production, unlocking the energy necessary to maintain activity and movement as we age. Supplementation with key nutrients such as Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), acetyl-L-carnitine, and alpha-lipoic acid plays a pivotal role in this process. These supplements offer a potent blend of antioxidants and micronutrients, serving as catalysts that fuel mitochondria and convert potential energy into a sustainable vitality.