The Longevity Benefits of Taking Time Out for Yourself

Taking a day away from the demands of modern life and dedicating time to genuine self-care can do wonders for your wellbeing. But did you know that regular opportunities to relax, recharge and focus on your health may also support healthy ageing? From reducing stress to improving fitness and mobility, our award-winning Fitness Expert, Dean Hodgkin, explains how a spa visit can help put more years on your life, and more life in your years.

REDUCE STRESS

Chronic stress can accelerate the ageing process, affecting everything from your sleep and immune system to your overall wellbeing. It can increase cortisol levels, contribute to inflammation and place added strain on both body and mind. Taking time to relax and unwind is therefore more important than ever.

Immersing yourself in the soothing warmth of our thermal spa experiences encourages deep relaxation, helping to ease tension, improve sleep quality and support the body’s natural restorative processes. These moments of calm can play a valuable role in promoting long-term health and wellbeing. For a more active form of relaxation, try our unique Candlelight Stretch class, or enhance your visit with a blissful Floataway treatment for the ultimate escape.

HEART HEALTH

One of the strongest indicators of long-term health and longevity is your VO₂ max, a measure of how efficiently your body can take in, transport and use oxygen during exercise. A higher VO₂ max is associated with better cardiovascular fitness, improved endurance and greater resilience as we age.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to support your heart and lung health. Cardio-based activities can help improve your aerobic fitness, boost energy levels and enhance recovery, making classes such as Apex Cycle and HIIT excellent choices during your visit. Interestingly, research also suggests that regular sauna use may offer cardiovascular benefits, meaning even moments of relaxation can contribute positively to your overall wellbeing.

STRONG TO THE BONE

Bone density peaks in the late 20s to early 30s, remains stable for a while but then begins to decline anywhere from 1-5% each year, depending upon several factors but most importantly menopause. This leads to an increased risk of osteoporosis and a higher likelihood of fractures, the wrist being the most common site. The good news is you can protect yourself through two simple actions, namely exercise and diet. Strength training causes the bones to lay down new cells, reversing the ageing process, so try our LIFT class or better yet, let one of our Personal Trainers create a programme for you to continue at home after your visit. Make the most of our menus by picking foods that contain calcium, found in leafy greens, dairy and tofu, plus Vitamin D which you can get from oily fish, red meat and egg yolks.

MUSCLE

Due to changing hormone levels, we naturally start to lose muscle from around the age of 35, initially only a few percent each decade but up to as much as 3% per year after age 60, a condition known as sarcopenia. This has two negative effects in that it slows metabolic rate, leading to weight gain but also reduces functional capability, even carrying the shopping and gardening could become challenging physical tasks. Fortunately, with apologies for repeating myself, tweaks to your exercise and diet will again counter these unwanted symptoms of ageing. Resistance training is vital to maintain muscle tissue, if you’re unsure about weights try our guided GYM BLAST session or if you prefer a body weight only alternative, CORE BOARD is the class for you. Protein is the building block for healthy muscle so optimise your mealtimes by loading up on poultry, red meat, fish, eggs, lentils, chickpeas and nuts. Additionally, creatine is proven to help to maintain muscle so why not add it to your drinks in the Verandah Bar.

MOBILITY MATTERS

Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein, playing a vital role in supporting healthy skin, bones, joints and connective tissues. As we age, natural collagen production gradually declines, which can contribute to increased stiffness and reduced flexibility. Maintaining mobility becomes increasingly important for keeping the body moving comfortably and efficiently.

Our Roll Release Relax class is designed to target soft tissue through a series of gentle, easy-to-follow exercises that help release tension, improve flexibility and enhance your range of movement. It’s the perfect way to support mobility and keep you feeling your best.

While you’re here, why not visit the Beauty Shop to discover the Elemis Pro-Collagen skincare collection and learn more about the benefits of collagen for healthy, radiant skin?