The power of fitness and muscle strength: Live longer through training.

The Data

‍

When we look at the data from top institutions like the Cleveland Clinic, one thing becomes clear: being fit isn't a luxury, it's your most important survival strategy.

The 2018 'Mandsager study' compares the VO2 Max of more than 122,000 participants. Your VO2 Max says something about how well your body can absorb oxygen, see it as a measure of how healthy your heart, lungs and blood vessels are. The higher this number, the easier it is to maintain physical activity.

The researchers divided participants into groups based on fitness, from “Low Fitness” (the bottom 25%) to “Elite Fitness” (the top 2.3%). Key findings:

‍

The 400% Risk: People in the lowest fitness group had a 5 times higher risk of premature death compared to the elite group. That is a risk increase of 400% (!). By comparison, that's a bigger gap than between a perfectly healthy person and someone with a severe nicotine addiction.

‍

More dangerous than bad habits: The data showed that a very low level of fitness is a greater predictor of mortality than traditional risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes or cardiovascular disease. In short: ignoring your condition is medically riskier than bitterballen and beer on a Friday afternoon.

Although these numbers seem extreme, they send a powerful message: fitness is a variable that you can control. The biggest drop in health risks also occurs when moving from “Inactive” to “Moderately fit”. So you don't have to be a Tour de France winner to drastically improve your life expectancy; the biggest gain comes from simply getting off the couch.

‍

Not only fitter, but also stronger has advantages

In addition to your condition, your strength is the second pillar. After all, your muscles are much more than just beach decorations. They act as a type of armor for your body.

‍

The 250% Claim Research (including in the well-known magazine) The Lancet) shows that people with little muscle strength have a 200% to 250% higher risk have health problems.

• Sugar levels: Muscles help your body absorb sugar from your blood. More muscle often means a healthier metabolism.
• Prevent falls: As we get older, a fall is often a big risk. Strong legs keep you standing, and strong bones make it less likely to break something if things do go wrong.

You really don't have to transform into a bodybuilder who can't go through a door normally anymore. It's about functional strength: the power to lift your own groceries (or grandchildren) without your back immediately going on strike.

‍

The Combination: 1 + 1 = 3

‍

The combination of good VO2 Max and healthy muscle strength ensures that you not only age, but above all superiorgetting older. You build a buffer against the wear and tear of time.

The best thing about this science news? You are in control of these figures. You don't have to run a marathon right away; the biggest gain comes from “doing nothing” to “having fun”.

‍

Build Your Future at The Social Health Club

‍

Bee The Social Health Club we translate these figures into a feasible plan. Our Personal Trainers understand how to improve your condition and strength without the need for an oxygen mask next to the treadmill.

No intimidating atmosphere, but training courses that ensure that you will still be whistling up the stairs in 10, 20 or 30 years from now.

‍

The Hard Numbers: The Mandsager Study (2018)

‍

A groundbreaking Cleveland Clinic study published in JAMA Network Abrir, analyzed data from as many as 122,007 patients who underwent an exercise test on a treadmill. The results were crystal clear and confrontational.

The researchers divided participants into groups based on fitness, from “Low Fitness” (the bottom 25%) to “Elite Fitness” (the top 2.3%). Key findings:

• The 400% Risk: People in the lowest fitness group had a 5 times higher risk of premature death compared to the elite group. That is a risk increase of 400% (!). By comparison, that's a bigger gap than between a perfectly healthy person and someone with a severe nicotine addiction.
• More dangerous than bad habits: The data showed that a very low level of fitness is a greater predictor of mortality than traditional risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes or cardiovascular disease. In short: ignoring your condition is medically riskier than bitterballen and beer on a Friday afternoon.
• No Upper Limit: Contrary to what was sometimes thought, there is no “ceiling” to the advantage of being in good shape. The fitter the participant, the lower the risk of mortality, even up to the highest categories. So your heart doesn't mind if you occasionally pretend to train for an Olympic medal.

‍

Why this is Good News

‍

Although these numbers seem extreme, they send a powerful message: fitness is a variable that you can control. The biggest drop in health risks also occurs when moving from “Inactive” to “Moderately fit”. So you don't have to be a Tour de France winner to drastically improve your life expectancy; the biggest gain comes from simply getting off the couch.

‍

Invest in your Future with The Social Health Club

‍

At The Social Health Club, we combine these scientific insights with a personal approach. Our trainers understand the physiology behind these numbers and help you take your fitness to the next level in a responsible, effective way.

Whether you're starting from scratch or want to optimize your current level: we'll provide a plan that works in the long term, would you like to meet us?