It's never too late to start exercising

It is well-known by most Americans that a physically active lifestyle and a high level of fitness are important for long-term health and longevity. However, no population-based research study has ever measured the relationship of physical activity levels and peak oxygen uptake over a long period of time. A new research study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise does exactly that, and the authors have some interesting conclusions about fitness.

Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology followed 1,843 men and women who were between 18 and 66 years old at the beginning of the study, for 23 years. Researchers surveyed all participants on their physical activity habits, including duration, frequency and intensity of activity. They also measured their peak oxygen consumption rate, which is used to measure cardiorespiratory fitness, at various intervals. At the end of the study, people who were more active had a significantly higher level of cardiorespiratory fitness, as expected. However the researchers also noted that those who started off with a low amount of exercise in younger years and increased their levels of activity were more fit than those who did not, even if they started exercising much later in life.

This study shows that when it comes to starting an exercise program, you're better off starting late than never!

Aspenes, et al. (2011). Physical Activity as a Long-Term Predictor of Peak Oxygen Uptake: The HUNT Study. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 43 (9), 1675-1679.