Physical activity and exercise Archive

People who maintain or improve their heart-related risks over time are less likely to develop calcification of the aortic valve, which may lead to aortic stenosis.

People with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were less likely to develop depression and dementia than those with low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, according to a 2026 research review.

Men may be less flexible than women, but stretching offers important benefits for everyone, especially as they age. Stretching may help keep muscles limber, improve balance and posture, prevent injuries, and even benefit sports performance.

Around age 40, most people lose some height, and the decline accelerates with age. This "shrinkage" can be slowed by preventing osteoporosis and improving posture. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D can help increase bone density, and exercises for the back and abdominal muscles can help with posture.

Regular resistance training, with either home-based or gym exercises, improves strength, muscle size, power, endurance, and daily function. New guidelines recommend resistance training with high effort that works all major muscle groups at least twice a week.

Exercise can lower resting heart rate and raise maximum heart rate to reduce the risk of heart attack and death.

A 2026 study of over 5,400 women ages 63 and older found that stronger grip strength and faster chair stand times were linked to lower risk of death over eight years. Risk fell by 15% for each 7-kilogram increase in grip strength and by 9% for each 6-second improvement in chair stand time.

Despite being on your feet all day, the scale hasn't budged. Learn what might be canceling out your extra activity.

Belly fat that won't budge can be more than a cosmetic concern. Learn how to spot risky fat around your waist and key habits to shrink it.