We’re all in the business for a long, healthy and happy life. But the answer doesn’t necessarily lie with a revolutionary pill or some cleanse some influencer’s trying to plug on socials. Scientific evidence suggests that there’s something much more beneficial to keep you tip top - and even better, it’s something you can prescribe yourself.
Exercise.
Okay, it’s hardly a shocker. But the reality is that whether it’s from being hit with inconsistency or chronic CBAs, so many of us have a habit of overlooking just how effective it can be in improving our wellbeing. Whatever your age, being physically active on the regular has been proven to lower the risk of all kinds of long-term conditions - especially with things like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, depression and stroke.
Turns out prevention really can be the cure. But why is that? And what’s the best way to optimise exercise to get the most bang for the burn? Given you’ve read this far, it’ll hopefully be no surprise to hear that that’s exactly what we’re about to tell you.
GO GET THAT SWEAT
Let’s start from the top. How much exercise should your average, run-of-the-treadmill, non-Olympian type be doing exactly? The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that adults (19-64 years) should aim to clock up at least 150 minutes (that’s 2.5 hours if you aren’t in the mood for maths) of moderate intensity exercise - such as brisk walking or cycling - each week.
If you’re a bit more athletic and like to get out for something a slightly more vigorous like a run, you can cut that figure down to 75 minutes. Or even shorter durations for “very vigorous activity” (like sprinting or stair climbing before your mind descends to the gutter). You can even do a combo of the lot if that’s your bag. You just need to get your body moving and here’s for why…
BURN BABY BURN
We know we get hot, sweaty and sometimes want to cry - but what’s actually going on when we start exercising? Well, it’s all part of your body’s response to increase and decrease its processes to allow you to exercise more efficiently. Within the first ten minutes, your heart will start beating faster - allowing your blood supply to increase in your brain and working muscles.
To keep the flow topped up with delicious O2, you start breathing faster to deliver the oxygen needed in your working muscles. In this slick operation, the body will use different energy systems depending on the duration and intensity of your workout.
THE AFTERMATH
When you finish exercising, the body will try to return to its resting state as quickly as possible. The fitter you are, the faster it’ll do it. Generally, everything that shot up during your workout will now slow down, while everything that slowed down will speed up.
Wondering why what training session made stairs your nemesis the next day? Here’s some more science for you. When you exercise, your muscles experience micro-trauma, and this can result in ‘delayed-onset muscle soreness’ or ‘DOMS’ for short. Don’t worry. It’s a completely normal kind of agony to experience. The good news is that once your body becomes accustomed to that type of exercise, the delayed soreness will become minimal.
CONSISTENCY IS KEY
What happens if you stick to your exercise program? You’ll start to experience both physiological and mental changes. That’s because on a cellular level, mitochondria (mini powerhouses that produce energy) multiply, meaning that your body can up its output. You’ll also create more blood vessels to deliver oxygen more efficiently to the muscles - meaning your heart and muscles get stronger and bigger.
MAX THOSE GAINS
With all those benefits, it’d be great if there were some convenient and delicious nutritional boost that could really help you get the most from your workout, don’t you think?
It’s time to bring in turmeric.
Yes, research has shown that this humble root really comes into its own post-exercise, with its abilities to help the body to manage any aches and pains. Whatever programme you’re following, add a touch of this spice into the mix and you’ll be on your way to working out harder and more often without the fear of being too sore.
SET YOUR ROUTINE
Feeling pumped and ready to hit the gym? Nice one - here’s a few tips for when you next train.
- Chuck a MOJU Turmeric shot in your bag along with your kit. Packed full of vitamin C, it’s got the goods you need to reduce tiredness and fatigue - just what you need to pick you up after a hard session.
- Don’t forget to hydrate. You’ll be losing fluids when you sweat, so chug back that water to keep your body functioning at its peak. You can always add your 60ml MOJU Turmeric shot to your water bottle for a longer drink with added kick.
- Finally, keep shaking shot up! Exercise is one of the best ways to do something amazing for yourself, your body and your mind. Get out there and show the world what you’ve got. Let’s do this.
