Strong abs not only make you look good but also help you live longer

One of the less talked about but important factors for longevity is abdominal strength. Strong abdominal muscles not only help keep the body slim, but also stabilize the spine and prevent injuries, especially as we age.

Research published in the journal JAMA Network Open shows that combining strength training, including abdominal training, with endurance exercises can significantly reduce the risk of early death. In particular, this risk is up to 30% lower than endurance training alone, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

Firm abdominal muscles help improve mobility and balance - ILLUSTRATION PHOTO: AI

Strong abdominal muscles contribute to a healthy, long life thanks to the following effects:

Fight chronic disease

Strength training, including abdominal training, helps increase bone density, muscle strength, improve metabolism, and increase the endurance of the heart and blood vessels. Increasing muscle mass, especially the core muscle group including the abdominal, back and hip muscles, helps improve blood sugar metabolism, blood lipids, blood pressure and weight control. These are important factors in preventing diabetes, cardiovascular disease or cancer.

Fall Prevention

Strong abdominal muscles reduce the risk of injury in both workers and older adults. Research has shown that strong abdominal muscles significantly improve both dynamic and static balance.

As the abdominal muscles strengthen, the trunk reflexes in imbalance situations improve, thereby reducing the risk of falling. Falls are the leading cause of death and disability in the elderly.

Healthy spine, less back pain

Abdominal muscles play an extremely important role in supporting the spine. When this muscle group is strong, the body's flexibility, balance, and stability will increase. The risk of back pain will also be significantly reduced.

Abdominal muscles also help maintain good posture, improve mobility, prevent hunchback, and support heart and lung function. All of which reduce the risk of chronic disease and injury.

Improve your ability to function

Strength training exercises that involve the abdominal muscles improve stability during activities such as standing up, sitting down, picking up heavy objects, and twisting. A large study in the journal JAMA Network Open analyzed data from more than 115,000 people. The results showed that people who strength-trained at least twice a week had a 30% lower risk of death than those who did not, according to Medical News Today.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/co-bung-khoe-khong-chi-de-dang-dep-ma-con-giup-song-lau-hon-185250824154335755.htm