Movement delays death. It’s good for the heart, waistline, and brain. When people start to get fat, they often use age as an excuse. But although the metabolism does decrease by 10% every decade, this is more due not to age, but to the loss of muscle mass. People get fatter not because they age, but because they stop moving with age. The lifestyle is becoming more sedentary, muscles are atrophiing, metabolism is slowing down, and fat is accumulating. Immobility weakens not only the body, but also the mind. Physical activity, on the contrary, prevents depression and anxiety. A sedentary lifestyle leads to a vicious circle of passivity. When you stop moving, you gain weight and feel more depressed. Because of this, the desire to move decreases. Movement is difficult, it brings discomfort, not pleasure. You get fatter, you get senile, you stop enjoying life. All this makes you even more chained to the couch. Physical activity creates the opposite cycle. Movement supports mood, muscle mass, and metabolism. The more you move, the easier it is for you to stay active. The body remains more fit, the joints are more mobile, and the mind retains a positive attitude and motivation. You want to move and you enjoy doing it. A rolling stone does not get overgrown with moss. An active person accumulates less fat. Compare the MRI scans of the quadriceps taken by scientists from the University of Pittsburgh. The first shows the muscles of a 40-year—old triathlete, the next shows the muscles of two 70-year-old men: one of them leads a sedentary lifestyle, the other participates in triathlon competitions. Don’t give up on an active lifestyle. Imagine a bicycle with a light bulb attached to it: to keep it on, you need to pedal all the time. It’s the same with health. Better yet, imagine yourself as a shark. Some shark species need to be in motion almost constantly to breathe. And people need to move to keep their bodies and minds healthy. Without moving, you will die. Of course, not immediately, but slowly. But much earlier than with an active lifestyle. It is not necessary to train every day. Take the stairs. Carry your suitcase in your hands, not on wheels. During your work breaks, walk or do some exercises. Keep moving. Live on. Source: Lifehacker Photo: wordpress.com