At Athlas, we are always seeking the best sources of information to support your health journey. A recent study, which we’ll dive into below, offers vital insights into how exercise can impact lifespan. While surveys typically show that those who work out live longer, this Finnish study revealed surprising results about the direct effect of physical activity on life expectancy.
The study mentioned is the Finnish Twins Cohort Study. It focuses on analyzing the impact of “leisure time physical activity” on lifespan using data from twins to account for factors like genetics and early life experiences.
Stay with us until the end to understand how incorporating exercise into your routine could potentially add years to your life!
How Can Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Extend Your Lifespan?
Research shows that regular physical activity is one of the key factors in increasing longevity and enhancing life quality. Exercise helps prevent chronic diseases and improves mental health, contributing to a longer, healthier life.
But did you know how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can extend your lifespan? Unlike other physical activities, BJJ offers unique benefits that go beyond fitness alone. Its focus on strength, flexibility, and technique helps build a robust body, while its emphasis on strategy and problem-solving sharpens the mind.
This powerful combination of physical and mental engagement makes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a top choice for those looking to not only stay in shape but also extend their lifespan.
The study suggests that other factors, such as genetics, diet, disabilities, education, wealth, and access to safe green spaces, may play a more significant role in determining lifespan.
You might think of dozens of other aspects that could influence a person’s health and the amount of exercise they do. The direction of causality is not always clear. Although it’s true that people who exercise more generally live longer, it’s harder to determine how much is due to exercise alone versus other factors. How can we isolate this causal effect from the complexities of people’s lives?
Less and More Active Groups
Twin studies can help. Twins have similar or identical genetics and life experiences, making it easier to test how differences in their behavior affect life expectancy in old age. This is exactly the approach used by researchers from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. They applied exercise questionnaires to 11,000 pairs of same-sex adult twins in 1975, 1981, and 1990, and linked these responses to mortality records up to 2020.
The results showed that, as expected, the most active participants had a 24% lower mortality rate compared to the less active ones. However, when factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI) were considered, the link between exercise and longevity was reduced, with only a 9% difference in mortality rate between the least active group and others, and no difference between highly and moderately active groups.
This finding highlights that while exercise is beneficial for health, its impact on lifespan is complex and intertwined with multiple other variables.
How Jiu-Jitsu Supports Longevity
BJJ is a complete sport that not only builds muscle strength but also enhances cardiovascular endurance, agility, and flexibility. Additionally, it provides a social environment that promotes discipline, respect, and camaraderie, which are crucial for emotional well-being. Here are some of the key benefits BJJ offers:
1. Improved Cardiovascular Health
Regular practice of BJJ significantly reduces cardiovascular risk by improving heart function, enhancing blood flow, and lowering cholesterol levels. These benefits decrease the likelihood of developing conditions such as heart disease and hypertension. The intense physical activity involved in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helps strengthen the heart muscle and promotes better circulation, which leads to improved overall cardiovascular health.
2. Prevention of Chronic Diseases
Like other physical activities, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can help prevent type 2 diabetes, obesity, and boost the immune system by promoting a healthier metabolism and improving insulin sensitivity.
The intense movements and cardiovascular engagement during Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training sessions support better weight management, reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions.
Additionally, regular physical activity like Jiu-Jitsu strengthens the body’s immune response, making it more efficient in fighting infections and inflammation. Practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu consistently helps build a foundation of overall health and vitality, contributing to a stronger and more resilient body.
3. Stress Reduction and Mood Improvement
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) stimulates the release of endorphins, which are hormones that promote feelings of well-being and happiness. This natural “feel-good” effect helps reduce stress levels, alleviate anxiety, and combat symptoms of depression.
As a result, Jiu-Jitsu practitioners often experience improved mood, better emotional balance, and an overall sense of mental clarity. By providing a constructive outlet for releasing tension and frustration, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu serves as a powerful tool for enhancing both mental and emotional health, making it an ideal practice for overall wellness.
4. Development of Strength and Flexibility
The specific movements in Jiu-Jitsu engage nearly all muscle groups, contributing to balanced muscle development and increased flexibility. Techniques like guard passes, sweeps, and submissions require not only power but also precise control, activating both major and minor muscle groups. This comprehensive engagement promotes muscle endurance and overall strength, helping practitioners build a well-balanced and resilient physique.
Additionally, the dynamic nature of Jiu-Jitsu enhances flexibility by challenging the body to perform a wide range of movements, from high-intensity transitions to deep stretches. Regular practice increases joint mobility and muscle elasticity, reducing the risk of injuries and improving overall physical performance. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, Brazilian Jiu jitsu unique combination of strength and flexibility training provides a solid foundation for achieving peak physical condition.
BJJ involves strategy, quick decision-making, and continuous learning, keeping the brain active and engaged.
The Role of Sports in Longevity
Although a recent Finnish study suggested that the impact of exercise on longevity can be influenced by other factors such as diet and genetics, it is undeniable that regular physical activity is essential for overall health. Additional research indicates that sports requiring a combination of physical and mental strength, like Jiu-Jitsu, provide even greater benefits for longevity and quality of life.
Incorporating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into your routine is much more than practicing a sport; it’s adopting a lifestyle that promotes health, well-being, and personal development. For those looking to live longer and with higher quality, Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent choice, offering benefits that go beyond the physical and positively impact emotional and social well-being.
