Thirsty (for knowledge) Thursday: Reversing Heart Aging

The Running Week shared the results from an interesting 2-year study about heart health as you age:

A new 2-year study led by Dr. Ben Levine at UT Southwestern found that just 5 hours of weekly exercise including two Norwegian 4×4 interval sessions can actually reverse 20 years of heart aging in adults over 50.

Researchers took a group of sedentary but otherwise healthy adults and split them into two groups: one did light yoga and stretching, while the other followed a structured aerobic and resistance training plan.

The results? After two years, those who trained consistently had hearts that looked and functioned like they were two decades younger. Their heart walls became more elastic, their pumping power improved, and their risk of heart disease dropped dramatically.

The secret wasn’t magic it was consistency. The plan required about 5 hours a week of exercise, mixing moderate aerobic work with short bursts of intensity through the Norwegian 4×4 method: four minutes of effort, three minutes of recovery, repeated four times.

Experts say the message is clear: Even after decades of inactivity, it’s never too late to turn things around.

Start small, stay consistent, and remember your heart has an incredible ability to heal and adapt. Because science just proved that at any age, you can literally train yourself younger.

The short post noted the basics of the "Norwegian 4x4 workout," but there's more detail about that in this Men's Health article.

For more "Thirsty Thursday" posts that highlight workouts, body science, and all kinds of interesting information, CLICK HERE. As always, back with some "Friday Funnies" tomorrow.