Exercise for a Longer Life: A Guide for Men Over 40

Book Synopsis: No Pain Means No . . . Pain and Yet a Longer Life? An overwhelming body of science has changed the way we think about exercise and health. The key to a longer life is exercise, but exercise in moderation. Moderate resistance training can increase a man's lifespan by an average of seven years, and moderate cardio can increase it by close to six years. While a sedentary lifestyle shortens both life spans and quality of life, extreme training can actually shorten lifespan as well, especially for endurance athletes. It is not just lifespan that improves with moderate exercise. Overall health, sex, and mental functions all benefit with the proper exercise regimen.This guide targets the over-40 man who wants to get back into shape. Luckily, even those in the 80's and 90's can see positive results from exercise, particularly resistance training, so it is never too late. However, as we age, we are more susceptible to injury, so care must be taken to design an exercise regimen that maximizes benefits and minimizes wear and tear and injury.

The first part of the book summarizes the results of hundreds of studies that examined the effect of exercise and strength on longevity. The science of exercise has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. What we were taught when we were young is now considered faulty and even harmful. This section of the guide pertains to everyone, men and women, of all ages.

The second part of the guide examines some of the considerations an older man needs to take into account when starting his exercise program. Jumping right into the gym without an appropriate plan will probably do more harm than good.

The third part of the guide gives some sample workout routines and lists the references.

What this guide is not is an extensive exercise encyclopedia. It does not offer hundreds of different workouts with photos of exercise after exercise. It is not a motivational self-help that tries to get you off the couch and into the gym. You have to be the one to make the decision to get into shape. What it does, however, is provide you the reasons you should make that decision, then once made, it provides you with the foundation to create your own individual regimen. While the science may be of interest to everyone, this book was not written for the gym rat or long-distance runner in mind. The science also pertains to women, but this book does not examine the specific differences that women need to understand before starting their own program of fitness.

The author is not a certified trainer. However, earning his doctorate taught him research, and this book is based on the myriad of studies that have examined the relationship between exercise and longevity. The studies used are all referenced in the endnotes and bibliography.

The book is not solely based on research, though. The author has been a lifelong athlete in a number of sports, but after losing part of his shoulder as a result of his duty in Iraq, he had to change his own lifestyle to take this into account. With input from military rehabilitation programs and based on current research, he has been successful in tailoring a regimen suited to his situation.

Once more, this is not the end all of exercise books. No book really can do that, and this guide doesn't attempt it. However, it does provide some invaluable information that can be of great benefit to someone who wants to get back into shape and enjoy a long, healthy, and happy life.