Or do the genes we were born with and our upbringing matter more?
To find out, scientists in Finland researched 10 pairs of young male identical twins, checking them every few years from the age of 16.
One of the pair exercised regularly and one did not, usually because of family or work pressures.
Their DNA and childhood experiences were similar and the changes in their exercise routines diverged only in the three years prior to the testing at ages 32 – 36.
Each man’s endurance capacity, body fat percentage and insulin resistance were measured and each had a brain scan.
Read more details of the study
The differences were astonishing!
- Although eating very similar daily diets, the sedentary twins had lower endurance capacities and signs of metabolic problems because of insulin resistance.
- The active twins had significantly more grey matter, especially in the brain areas involved in motor control and coordination.
Researcher Dr. Urho Kyjala said:
The study underscores how rapidly a few years of robust exercise can affect health. Genetics and environment ‘do not have to be’ your destiny when it comes to exercise habits.
Key takeaways:
Everyone of us can move more.
It is in our power to rapidly and substantially improve the condition of our body and brain.
(Ref: Gretchen Reynolds, NYTimes)
I am now 87 and having some memory problems. I hate to think how worse they would be if I had not exercised most of my life
I am nearly 86 and fairly fit thanks to a life of exercise and keeping body and brain active but recently I was struck down with pneumonia and was told I “was very sick” After a long recovery I found I was forgetting many things, was not able to concentrate well and was tired all the time. I slowly started exercise again, line dancing, yoga, gardening and weight lifting, all the things I had previously enjoyed plus working again in our wee shop on Saturday morning where I HAD to concentrate. I have now found that apart from not being so tired I can think better, I can concentrate better, can remember more and life is good again so it pays to keep the exercise up for as long as possible and don’t forget the social interaction which is vitally important to us all. Must get out into the garden now!!!!!
Well done, Heather and we are so glad to hear of your successful recovery. Your determination and fantastic fitness regime are wonderful examples for all of us!