I’m a cardiologist. Adding this 1 exercise to my routine made me fitter than ever at 70

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I’m a cardiologist. Adding this 1 exercise to my routine made me fitter than ever at 70

We all know that exercise is important for overall health, but should our workout routine change as we get older?

TODAY.com previously spoke with Dr. Eric Topol, a top cardiologist and longevity researcher, about his science-backed

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from his book “

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.”

Regular exercise is one of the most effective tools to promote healthy aging and prevent age-related diseases like heart disease and *******, Topol said.

One type of exercise in particular may help slow down how fast our bodies age and keep us feeling fit and strong.

Cardiologist tip of the day: Strength train at least 3 times a week

As a cardiologist, Topol says he was always a fan of aerobic exercise. Over the decades, he focused on heart rate-boosting activities like running and cycling, while skipping strength and resistance training. “That was a mistake,” Topol explained.

After researching the benefits of strength training for healthy aging, Topol changed his approach to working out and added this type of exercise to his workout routine.

“If I’m going to be old, I’d rather be strong and old,” Topol quipped.

Topol, now 70, does at least one hour of 

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three times a week, or 30 minutes of training, four to five times a week. “I’m more fit and stronger than I can ever remember, just by doing that for over a year now,” Topol says.

Why it matters

As we age, we start to lose muscle mass and strength, with the most significant declines happening

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, according to Topol.

Regular

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can help maintain muscle mass and improve bone density, all while promoting mobility and balance, which reduces the risk of falls (the

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among adults over 65.)

A 

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 found that resistance training was linked with a lower risk of death from all causes.

Despite the wealth of evidence of the benefits of strength training, only one in four adults in the U.S. report meeting the

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, which recommends muscle-strengthening activity at least two times per week.

How to get started

If you don’t already have a

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, don’t sweat it. “It’s never too late,” added Topol.

Beginners can start with

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, which require no equipment or gym membership. These include squats, lunges, push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and lunges, wall-sits, and planks, explained Topol.

Once you’re comfortable, add in light weights, starting with 5-pound

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. Try to find a

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that works the major muscles in the upper body, lower body, and core.

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is all about simple strategies to make life a little easier. Every Monday through Friday, different qualified experts share their best advice on diet, fitness, heart health, mental wellness and more.

This article was originally published on

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#cardiologist #Adding #exercise #routine #fitter

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