Ander Martirena: "Moving is the best anti-aging"

BarcelonaAlthough sports and physical activity have been a growing trend since the pandemic, more and more people are also adopting routines that lead to a sedentary lifestyle, such as teleworking or screen addiction. Ander Martirena, a graduate in physiotherapy and physical activity sciences (CAFE), is passionate about combating bad habits and the benefits of living an active life. So, what is a sedentary lifestyle? "If a person spends eight hours sitting in front of a screen, no matter how much exercise they do afterward, they also have a routine marked by bad habits." Thus, as the physiotherapist and personal trainer explains, the human body "is made to move, not to sit or stay in static positions." It's important to break these dynamics. "I always recommend that people who work eight hours in front of a computer at least once an hour stop whatever they're doing and, at least, go drink some water," he says. posture".

If we are unable to reverse these bad routines, the consequences for our health can be multiple. "A person with bad habits is more prone to injuries, whether bone or joint," says the owner of Fita. He also says that exercising is one of the. "Moving is the best antiaging", she assures. Martirena also explains that physical activity is a first-class natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

There are no magic exercises

"Nowadays, many influencers on social media are becoming fitness gurus and claiming to have the key to achieving results with very little effort. But the truth is, there's no magic exercise," he says. For this reason, he recommends everyone take up the sport they find most entertaining and easy to maintain over time, whether it's walking, going to the gym, or playing soccer. To achieve this routine, he also points out the importance of maintaining healthy social relationships and getting a good night's rest. He also emphasizes the importance of staying away from toxic substances like drugs and alcohol.

Another myth he debunks is that of daily steps. While he acknowledges that a young, healthy person should take about 10,000 steps a day, he also acknowledges that there are exceptions. "If a 70-year-old walks 5,000 steps a day, that's more than approved!" he concludes. Thus, he clarifies that each case is unique and that, at the end of the day, "the important thing is not to go to bed without getting up from your chair."