ATLANTA — A new survey from QuestionsPro reveals the peak age for adult fitness across the country, with the average peak age for Georgians being 36.
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The Georgian’s average peak fitness age is 36, according to a study.
- The majority report feeling younger than their chronological age.
- 58% said they would run a marathon if it guaranteed them an extra year of life.
- Interactive map showing peak form ages across America.
The question “How old are you?” is the one we encounter frequently in various contexts such as job applications, dating sites or simply when meeting new people. While younger people are quick to answer this question, those of us over 40 can sometimes hesitate. Indeed, aging is generally associated with passing your physical peak.
However, exercise scientists are increasingly notice that a person’s date of birth is not necessarily indicative of their actual body age. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help people achieve peak physical condition later in life and stay “younger” longer. In fact, these experts claim that an individual’s body age may be higher or lower than what would be expected based on their chronological age.
The Fitness Tribe, an online community of wellness enthusiasts, set out to determine how our fitness ages differ across the country. They commissioned a survey of 3,000 adults, conducted by QuestionProto find out what age they consider to be their best fitness age, with some interesting results…
Although opinions vary, it is commonly accepted that the peak fitness ages for men and women is between 20 and 35 years. Interestingly, the average peak fitness in Georgia was found to be 36 (compared to a national average of 34), considered relatively advanced when it comes to peak sports performance.
Research has found that people in North Dakota reach their peak fitness level later in life, at the ripe old age of 43. By comparison, those in Wyoming say they reached their biological peak at the tender age of 28.
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Respondents were also asked about their exercise habits, with promising figures. For example, 58% said that when they did cardio training, they pushed themselves to the limit. Cardio exercise It has been shown to have anti-aging effects at the cellular level. Research has shown that regular cardio training can increase the length of telomeres, which are the protective caps at the end of chromosomes that shorten with age. Longer telomeres are associated with lower biological age and reduced risk of age-related diseases.
The survey also revealed that on average, 40% of training is devoted to cardio work, 33% to stretching (as yoga) and 27% to build muscle. Bodybuilding, or strength training, is important for aging because it can help counter the loss of muscle mass and strength that naturally occurs with age, a condition known as sarcopenia. Sarcopenia can lead to decreased physical function, increased risk of falls and fractures, and reduced quality of life. Additionally, strength training has been shown to have many other benefits for aging people. It can help increase metabolism, which can help maintain healthy body weight and reduce the risk of obesity and related health problems.
Encouragingly, 32% of respondents said they exercised simply because they liked it. After all, enjoying a tough climb on your bike can take your focus away from the discomfort or fatigue you’re feeling at the time. One in four said they train solely for the health benefits, and 43% said they do it for both reasons.
And broadly matching the Peak Fitness survey results, the majority of Georgia respondents reported feeling younger than their actual (chronological) age.
Finally, respondents were asked to answer a hypothetical question:
If it guaranteed you one more year of life, would you run a marathon?
And 58% answered… yes!
“Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can help individuals maintain physical and mental well-being, improve longevity, and reduce the risk of age-related diseases, which can lead to older biological age. lower and better quality of life as we age,” says Chris Higgins, editor of The Fitness Tribeand NASM certified personal trainer.