Imagine a miracle cure that can prevent obesity and diabetes, lower the risk of certain types of cancer, relieve depression and anxiety, increase mobility, and reduce the risk of hip fractures by 40%. A remedy that even slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and gives you more energy!
What is this miracle cure?
The miracle is: exercise! It’s accessible to nearly everyone and a crucial factor in your overall health.
The recommended guideline is 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity per week—about 20 minutes a day. Sounds doable, right? Still, 4 out of 10 Dutch people do not meet this guideline.* (Source: CBS)
As we age, our muscle mass and strength decrease. After the age of 50, you lose on average 1–2% of muscle mass per year. This can happen even earlier if you are inactive or if your energy intake is too low.
In addition to the health benefits that come with movement, an active lifestyle also increases your lean body mass. When we think of lean mass, we often think of the muscles in your legs, arms, neck, and abdomen—but it also includes your heart muscle and the tissue of other organs. This part of your body is worth maintaining—or even strengthening.
It is your lean body mass that determines your metabolism (how efficiently you burn calories). The more lean mass you have, the higher your metabolism, and the more calories you burn at rest.
A higher metabolism makes it easier to maintain your weight.
Tip: Use our workout builder to add more movement into your daily life!