It’s a question many of us ask as we get older. Can exercise really turn back the clock? Well, I’m not here to say you’ll wake up looking like you did in your 20s, but the good news is—yes, exercise can have an incredible impact on how you age.
And here’s the kicker: You don’t have to run marathons or spend hours at the gym to see the benefits. In fact, something gentle yet effective, could be just what the doctor ordered.
As we age, our bodies change (cue the random aches and that pesky knee pain). We lose muscle mass, our metabolism slows, and joints aren’t as forgiving. But when you move, particularly with low-impact exercises (hello aquafitness), you start to restore strength, flexibility, and balance. This kind of movement has been proven to help with everything from boosting energy to improving your mood, thanks to those feel-good endorphins!
So how exactly is exercise keeping my body young?
Exercise strengthens muscles and bones
Think of it as fortifying your body’s foundation. The stronger your muscles are, the more they support your joints, providing some cushion to the impact they take on the daily basis. As an added benefit, it also makes everyday tasks feel easier and helps reduce the risk of falls as we age. Did you know that the risk of mortality in hip fracture patients was 3-fold higher than that in the general population? Exercising will not only make you feel younger but live longer! Resistance training is a great way to keep those bones strong. You hate the gym? Not to worry resistance training is even more efficient in the water and helps to build muscle and maintain bone density.
Exercise increases blood circulation
We all know that exercise gets your blood pumping, but did you know that better circulation brings a variety of perks? For one, it can reduce water retention, which tends to increase as we age due to hormonal changes. It also means you are also flushing out excess fluid and toxins, reducing bloating and puffiness. Because it helps delivering more oxygen to your skin, exercise promotes a healthy, glowing complexion. Who doesn’t love a little extra glow? Studies show that increased circulation boosts cognitive function by getting more oxygen to the brain, which can help you feel sharper and more alert. Over time, regular exercise is even linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and memory issues, so you don’t have to go around writing everything down before you forget it 😉
Exercise improves flexibility and mobility
As we age, natural wear and tear on our joints—combined with a loss of muscle tone—can make everyday movements more challenging. Whether it’s your back, hips, or knees, we all know that stiffness creeps up over the years. It’s like your body is resisting movement!
Consistent practice of flexibility-enhancing movements has been shown to not only relieve stiffness but also prevent it from coming back. Studies indicate that improving flexibility can help prevent injuries and even chronic pain. Plus, when your body moves more freely, everyday activities like bending, reaching, and walking become easier and more enjoyable. Good news is that water resistance helps to lengthen muscles while supporting your joints, which in turn can increase your range of motion making you instantly feel supported and more flexible while taking the pressure off your joints, making movement feel smoother and less painful.
Exercise supports mental health
As you age, do you realise that your focus shifts from just looking good to feeling good? Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins—your brain’s feel-good chemicals—which help reduce stress, combat anxiety, and improve your mood.
Staying active is key to managing mental health, especially during times of hormonal changes like perimenopause. Regular exercise has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, often associated with midlife transitions. You want more info on how to combat menopause symptoms? Click here
Aquafitness, in particular, offers unique mental health benefits. We can’t deny water has a calming effect, and the low-impact nature of the exercise means you’re less likely to feel physical strain, allowing you to focus on enjoying the movements. And don’t forget the social aspect! Being part of a welcoming, non- judgmental group of women can significantly enhance the experience, making each session feel more like a rejuvenating treat than a workout. You will leave feeling physically accomplished and emotionally uplifted!
The ripple effect of moving more
Regular exercise will make you age better and fend off those inevitable age-related changes. Let’s forget about trying to look 20 again and focus on feeling strong, confident, and vibrant at any age. At The Ripple Club we design our aquatic fitness classes with exactly this in mind— powerful exercises that rejuvenates from the inside out!
Ready to see how exercise can help you feel younger? Come join us for a class, and let’s reverse the clock—one pool workout at a time!
Alicia xx