10 Reasons to Get off the Couch

Straight out of science, we bring you ten of the best research-backed, age-defying reasons to get moving.

1. Youthful looks: Exercise protects against wrinkles, crows feet and other signs of skin ageing. Exercise triggers the release of interleukin 15 (IL-15) which prevents the loss of the thin layer of growing cells that provides the firmness and lustre of young, healthy skin.
2. Exceptional hearing: In old mice, regular exercise maintains the health of the cochlear (the inner ear).
3. A keen eye: Regular exercise reduces the risk of vision lossfrom macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetes – all major causes of visual impairment in the elderly.
4. Superb singing voice: Not keen on starting to speak and sing like your grandparents? Ageing changes our voices, due to changes in the structure of the larynx (voicebox), a condition known as presbyphonia. Exercise will have you speaking and singing like someone years younger.
5. A full head of hair: For women, exercise protects against the gradual loss of hair follicles and hair-thinning. For men, alas, exercise may accelerate hair loss – the gleaming crowns of fit guys can be attributed to surging testosterone levels.
6. Shagadelic sex life: It’s not just erectile dysfunction that is improved with exercise. Research points to the importance of core exercises for pelvic floor control and tight buns.
7. Super cells: Exercise is a natural gene therapy. Exercise programs cells to work harder and live longer.
8. Reduced cancer risk: Exercise fights oxidative stress and DNA damage, a major cause of cellular mutations and cancers.
9. Stay regular: Exercise reduces the risks of urinary incontinence and constipation.
10. Longevity: You are far more likely to live longer if you regularly exercise.

Written by Prof. David Cameron-Smith, article and images sourced from Les Mills