In case you need another challenge to get you to improve your lifestyle, I offer an article from BBC News that shows people who don't exercise actually age faster at a genetic level.
According to a study of identical twins conducted by King's Collge London, people who do not exercise lose key pieces of DNA, called telomeres, at a faster rate than those who workout regularly. Telomeres are "repeat sequences of DNA that sit on the ends of chromosomes, protecting them from damage. As people age, their telomeres become shorter, leaving cells more susceptible to damage and death." The study showed that people who exercise regularly lose fewer telomeres over time.
It is unclear why this happens. The researchers' current theory is that exercise somehow helps prevent damage caused by exposure to oxygen and inflammation. I would guess that this could be an evolutionary driver. In other words, nature would likely reward individuals who kept an active, productive lifestyle, while punishing those who were sedentary. It's literally a case of survival of the fittest. And those who challenge themselves physically improve in health and longevity.
Whatever the reason, I'm literally going to hit the treadmill right now.



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