File under: Possibly too good to be true but definitely worth a try: Researchers at Tel Aviv University have found that endurance exercises like a long run or a spinning class can increase the number of satellite cells (muscle stem cells)  which normally declines with aging. Many scientists believe that a decline in the number of these cells and their functionality may prevent proper maintenance of muscle mass and its ability to repair itself, leading to muscle deterioration. A news release from Tel Aviv University reports that the number of satellite cells in rats increased after they ran on a treadmill for 20 minutes a day for a 13-week period. The younger rats showed a 20 percent to 35 percent increase in the average number of stem cells per muscle fiber retained  and older rats benefited even more significantly, exhibiting a 33 percent to 47 percent increase in stem cells. The researchers also found that endurance exercise also improved the levels of "spontaneous locomotion"  the feeling that tells our bodies to just get up and dance  of old rats.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Saturday, May 31, 2025