Endurance training is more effective than resistance exercise at slowing the effects of ageing
| Updated: Nov 29, 2018, 17:42 IST
If you want to slow down ageing on a cellular level, endurance training seems like a better option than resistance exercise. New European research has found that that endurance exercises such as running, swimming, and cycling work better when it comes to slowing the process of ageing. The study was divided into three parts- endurance training, high-intensity interval training and resistance training.
Around 266 young individuals who were fit but previously physically inactive were recruited for the study. They were then randomly split up in groups of four. One group was asked to participate in endurance training for 6 months and that included exercises such as running, the other group was asked to do high-intensity training, the third group opted for resistance training using machines, and the fourth group made no lifestyle changes and only acted as a control group.
It was found that the Telomeres (protective caps on the chromosomes that are responsible for repairing cells in the body) became a lot more effective when people underwent endurance training and high-intensity training as compared to resistance training and the control group. Co-author of the study, Dr. Christian Werner, also added that, "Our data support the European Society of Cardiology's current guideline recommendations that resistance exercise should be complementary to endurance training rather than a substitute."
So, maybe you should start opting for exercises such as walking and running rather than resistance exercises with machines.
Around 266 young individuals who were fit but previously physically inactive were recruited for the study. They were then randomly split up in groups of four. One group was asked to participate in endurance training for 6 months and that included exercises such as running, the other group was asked to do high-intensity training, the third group opted for resistance training using machines, and the fourth group made no lifestyle changes and only acted as a control group.
It was found that the Telomeres (protective caps on the chromosomes that are responsible for repairing cells in the body) became a lot more effective when people underwent endurance training and high-intensity training as compared to resistance training and the control group. Co-author of the study, Dr. Christian Werner, also added that, "Our data support the European Society of Cardiology's current guideline recommendations that resistance exercise should be complementary to endurance training rather than a substitute."
So, maybe you should start opting for exercises such as walking and running rather than resistance exercises with machines.