My Pop has recently taken up golf - a right of passage for nearly all Aussie men.

Not even a week into his new favourite past-time, he's taken a swing (likely with a bit too much enthusiasm and not quite enough formal coaching) and twinged 'something' in his back.

This was nearly a fortnight ago, and he's still suffering from that swing-gone-wrong.

When he was telling me about it (again), he mentioned that when he was younger, his body seemed to be better equipped at rolling with the punches - quicker to recover, and generally more resilient to injury.

The good news for my pop (and for anyone else who may feel this way) is that resilience is something that can be improved, and is actually an integral part of ensuring our bodies for the future.

Today, in the 56th edition of The Absolute Scoop, we're going to dive into why 'resilience' should be your next health focus.

Why Resilience Is Your Key to a Longer Life

In the quest for a longer, healthier life, there are a whole lot of buzzwords flying about - some of them are worth the intrigue, and others... well, not so much.

In my eyes, 'resilience' is one such word that often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves.

By definition, resilience is the ability to recover quickly from difficulty, to spring back into shape and adapt to stressors, maintaining psychological well-being in the face of adversity.

With this in mind, you can understand why the term 'resilience' should be something we take into greater consideration on the quest for a long and healthy life - especially to an ageing population, where phrases like 'springing back into shape' aren't thrown around quite so easily anymore...

That's why developing resilience, both physically and mentally, can be completely transformative.

In this article, we're going to discuss some of the ways resilience can change your wellness journey, and strategies for developing resilience in your life.

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The Power of Physical Resilience

Improved Capacity

Physical resilience is fundamentally about building and maintaining our body’s capacity to endure and adapt. This is primarily achieved through consistent exercise, which promotes muscle growth and higher fitness levels.

As we age, our muscles naturally lose mass and strength—a condition known as sarcopenia. However, engaging in regular strength training and aerobic exercise can counteract this decline.

Strength training not only helps in muscle development but also improves bone density, which is critical for combating osteoporosis - another condition tightly linked with ageing.
Regular weight-bearing exercises stimulate bone formation and help to maintain bone strength, thereby reducing the risk of fractures and falls.

High fitness levels also enhance cardiovascular health, which can significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Moreover, physical resilience contributes to a reduced likelihood of injury. When your body is well-conditioned, you’re less likely to suffer from strains, sprains, and other injuries. This is particularly important as we age and our bodies become more prone to injuries from simple activities (plus, more resilience also means less time spent in recovery - say goodbye to a twinge in your back taking you out for a whole week).

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Reduced Chances of Chronic Conditions

A focus on improved physical strength can dramatically lower your chances of developing various chronic illnesses. As mentioned above, physical resilience aids in reversing the effects of age-related chronic conditions.

By consistently engaging in weight-bearing and strength exercises, you can slow down or even prevent the onset of osteoporosis and sarcopenia. These exercises stimulate bone formation and muscle growth, thereby mitigating the loss of bone density and muscle mass.

Furthermore, research has shown that maintaining a robust and active lifestyle can help manage and even reverse conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is crucial for managing diabetes.

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The Importance of Mental Resilience

Overcoming Exercise Fears

Mental resilience is equally important in the pursuit of a longer life.
It involves the ability to overcome fears and doubts, especially when incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

Many individuals, particularly those who are new to fitness, may feel intimidated by the prospect of starting an exercise program. Mental resilience helps you push through these initial hurdles and develop a consistent exercise habit.

The mental fortitude to commit to regular physical activity often means facing discomfort and pushing through self-imposed limits. By cultivating mental resilience, you can better manage exercise-related anxieties, build confidence, and establish a routine that becomes second nature.

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Commitment to Consistent Activity

Mental resilience also translates to a steadfast commitment to prioritising physical activity. Life’s demands—work, family responsibilities, and social obligations—can often sideline our fitness goals. However, with strong mental resilience, you can develop strategies to prioritise exercise and maintain consistency.

This involves creating a structured schedule, setting realistic goals, and finding activities that you enjoy.
A resilient mindset helps you stay motivated even when progress seems slow or when obstacles arise. It’s about making physical activity a non-negotiable part of your life, not just an occasional endeavour.

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Mental Fortitude in Daily Life

Beyond exercise, mental resilience impacts various aspects of daily life, including work and family commitments. A resilient individual is better equipped to handle stress, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain a positive outlook. This kind of mental strength contributes to overall well-being and longevity.

For instance, a resilient approach to work can lead to better stress management, reducing the risk of stress-related health issues such as hypertension and heart disease. Similarly, resilience in family life can foster stronger relationships and a supportive environment, which is crucial for mental and emotional health.

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Building Resilience

Developing resilience is a multifaceted process involving both physical and mental components. Here are some practical tips for building resilience to enhance your lifespan and quality of life:

1. Focus on Strength: Developing strength is the absolute cornerstone of resilience and longevity - focussing on at least 2 days of weight training is crucial to ageing with confidence and building a body that can 'bounce back'.
2. Be Consistent: Create a workout schedule and stick with it! Treat your workouts as you would any other priorities in your life, and ensure the time you book for your health is sacred. If you need support on your fitness journey, consider partnering with a personal trainer to help keep you accountable.
3. Manage Stress: Practice stress management techniques such as mindfulness, regular exercise, and deep-breathing exercises to enhance mental resilience.
4. Set Realistic Goals: Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate your progress and adjust your goals as needed.
5. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and professionals who encourage your health and fitness journey.
6. Focus on Recovery: Allow time for rest and recovery between workouts to prevent burnout and injuries. Adequate sleep is also essential for overall resilience.

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In conclusion, resilience - both physical and mental - is the key to unlocking a longer, healthier life.

By developing physical resilience through consistent exercise and a focus on strength, you can improve your body’s capacity, reduce the likelihood of chronic conditions, and combat age-related issues.

Concurrently, mental resilience empowers you to overcome exercise fears, maintain a consistent activity regimen, and handle daily life challenges with fortitude.

I hope you enjoyed issue #56 of the Absolute Scoop.

If you need the guidance and accountability to develop your resilience, why not speak with our skilled team about finding the right next steps for you!

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