How to Live Longer

Anti-Aging Powers of Exercise

The secret to living a better, longer life is as simple as lacing up your sneakers and hitting the gym
By Emily G. W. Chau fitbie
 

Stronger Bones

Research shows that weight lifting and resistance exercise—but not low-impact activities, such as swimming—increase bone mass in your hips and spine, where osteoporosis tends to hit the most. The reason: Your muscles are attached to your bones, so when your muscles are activated, they put stress on your bones in turn. Just as your muscles tear, repair, and grow bigger when you lift weights or do high-impact exercise such as running or jumping, your bones do the same, explains Smith.

While it’s important to build your bones all over, you can focus on strengthening your hips and spine with moves like the chair squat, says Smith. Squat 10 times, resting your butt on a chair behind you each time. Repeat another set of 10, this time only skimming the seat.

Video: Watch how to do the chair squat and more in this simple living-room workout
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