
What You Probably Did Not Know About Exercise And Physical Activity
Dominique Hansen
Dominique Hansen is a professor of 'rehabilitation and exercise physiology in cardiometabolic diseases' at Hasselt University, and researcher at Heart Centre Hasselt, Jessa hospital Hasselt, Belgium. He also chairs the Secondary Prevention and Rehabilitation Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC), is Board member of the EAPC, and published over 150 research articles.
- Recording: Yes
- Language: English, Dutch
- Duration: 45 min / 15 min
Session Summary
Physical activity and exercise, not an unnecessary luxury in which we spend our time when it suits us - it is a foundation for good health and longevity. But why is this so - how does this actually work? And what works best - should we start exercising very intensively, or just sit down a little less? Over the last decade, scientific studies have made discoveries that contradict many of the myths that are persistently circulating on the Internet, but have also opened up completely new worlds. But what exactly are these insights? In this interactive lecture you can learn all about these insights.
Interaction
During the expert session, Dominique Hansen engages the audience through methods like a Q&A session, live demonstrations of research findings, and using the Mentimeter app for interactive exercises to discuss physical activity levels and its impact on lifespan. Audience members submit questions via the app, and Dominique provides answers while addressing common misconceptions about exercise, such as elite athletes' lifespans and overtraining syndrome.
Key Learnings
- Boosting Lifespan through Fitness: Regular physical activity significantly impacts your lifespan by improving endurance and reducing dependency on others at an early age.
- Epigenetic Impact on Health: Understanding the connection between genes, lifestyle factors, and health is crucial. Exercise, among other environmental factors, influences gene expression through epigenetic changes, affecting your overall wellbeing.
- Balancing Calorie Intake and Expenditure: Maximizing calorie expenditure through targeted physical activities can aid in weight loss by burning more calories than consumed, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Detailed session description
In this expert session, Dominique Hansen delves into the importance of physical activity in our daily lives and its impact on our overall wellbeing and lifespan. The Eurobarometer report reveals that only a mere 6% of Europeans meet the recommended level of regular physical activity, raising concerns about sedentary behavior across different age groups. Surprisingly, data suggests that young adults aged between 15 and 24 years old sit the most due to school attendance and extensive screen usage for work and entertainment.
Dominique emphasizes the significance of physical activity in extending our lifespan by showcasing research suggesting that individuals who engage in regular exercise have a longer life expectancy than those who do not. While some attribute this to improved health and better weight control, others believe it may be due to increased energy levels and vitality.
Next, Dominique discusses the impact of sedentary behavior on our dependency on others as we age. Studies show that individuals who train extensively demonstrate a later onset of dependence compared to those who lead sedentary lives, emphasizing the importance of staying fit for a more independent and active old age.
The topic then shifts towards addressing concerns about being underweight or overweight and engaging in physical activity. Dominique clarifies that while fitness levels influence lifespan, weight does not have a definitive impact on life expectancy, as we can influence our genes' expression through movement (epigenetic changes). He discusses how environmental factors like exercise can alter the way our genes function, leading to better health outcomes.
The session concludes with Dominique sharing his belief in the importance of walking for maintaining good health, emphasizing that it's never too late to start incorporating more physical activity into our daily routines. He encourages participants to take action towards addressing insufficient physical activity in Europe and leave the session feeling inspired and informed about the benefits of regular exercise on our overall wellbeing and longevity.
Other Sessions by this Speaker
No other sessions available at this moment.
Reviews
- Very interesting and dynamic seminar.
- Thank you very much.
