Exercise Changes Your DNA?

While it is widely known that regular physical exercise decreases the risk of virtually all chronic illnesses, the mechanisms at play are not fully known. Now scientists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that the beneficial effects of physical exercise may in part result from changes to the structure of our DNA. These changes are referred as 'epigenetic'.

In the study, six weeks of physical exercise led to changes in the epigenetic information of skeletal muscle cells in young men. These changes took place in areas of the genome that have been linked to disease. Scientists say their research shows how exercise remodels DNA in skeletal muscle, so that new signals are established to keep the body healthy.

My take? This makes total sense and emphasizes that as we age, it is critical to continue activities to preserve muscle mass. The idea, “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” is showing to be extremely accurate when it comes to preserving muscle mass. In addition this shows that it isn’t just your genes that dictate your body composition, but the signals your body receives that will ultimately matter. If you haven’t strength trained before, and want to put on lean muscle mass, then you must strength train!

The time is now to get a strength routine started, and I’m here to help. Click the link below to get started today!

How Strong Do You Need to Be?

How do you know if you are strong enough? That’s a tough question to answer on your own, but a good place to start is with your activities of daily living. Can you work, pick up your kids, and move about your day without hesitation? If you are afraid of throwing out your back, or maybe there are limitations that force you to change your activities or rely on others to help, increasing your strength may need to become a priority.

If you check all the boxes when it comes to your daily requirements with work and chores around the house, you can then look toward your recreational activities: golf, surfing, marathons etc. All of these recreational activities have strength requirements necessary to at minimum be proficient and prevent injury and on the further end of the spectrum performance.

Pictured above is Amanda. Amanda is a personal training client who began training with me after she realized she wasn’t getting the results she wanted on her own. She says, “I wanted to get stronger. I have been an athlete all my life and after having my second child, I knew I needed some personalized attention and accountability.” Since starting socially distanced at home personal training (outdoors) Amanda has increased her strength and endurance. She has also found activities outside of traditional training as well! She regularly plays tennis and even tried surfing for the first time. Life after having children can be better than you ever imagined with the right mindset and training program. One that includes strength training.

If one wishes to maintain independence for the rest of their days while enjoying the activities that bring them happiness, strength work should be a component of their exercise on a regular basis.

To learn more about assessing your own strength, you can listen to Scott Hagnas and I’s most recent podcast.

If you’d like to start a strength program that is personalized for you, click the link below to book a free assessment today!