Exercise has unexpected beauty benefits

When Professor Harryono Judodihardjo signed up for a charity white collar boxing match he expected to get fit. But he didn’t expect to look and feel younger

WHEN Professor Harryono Judodihardjo signed up for a white collar boxing event his main aim was to raise money for children’s cancer charity Latch.
But the nine-week training programme is reaping unexpected benefits – the medical director of the Cellite Clinic, in Cardiff, said he is not only feeling fitter, leaner and more toned, he also looks and feels younger.
“Before I started training, I had hit 40 and was experiencing a drop in energy levels – getting through a hectic work schedule was hard. I’d put the lack of stamina down to the ageing process,” he said.

“Due to work commitments, I had pretty much given up on regular fitness training, and while I wasn’t exactly overweight, I had lost muscle definition and strength.
“When the Latch boxing event was offered to me, it seemed like a fun way of raising money for a worthwhile cause. I certainly wasn’t prepared for the life-enhancing benefits that regular boxing training has brought me.
“It’s no exaggeration to say that I feel 10 years younger and have regained a huge amount of vitality.”
Research has demonstrated that exercise plays an important role in our health and those who exercise live longer on average than those who have a sedentary lifestyle.
But boxing training itself has been shown to have multiple health benefits, including improved cardiovascular function; greater core strength; better balance and co-ordination and weight loss and improved wellbeing.
Simon Harling, of Elite Fitness, organised the white collar charity boxing event and is overseeing Prof Judodihardjo’s training programme.
“Boxing training provides an excellent cardiovascular workout that benefits the entire body, while on a psychological level, mastering a new skill enhances confidence,” he said.
“Boxing training is not just about using the arms, it involves squats, star jumps, press ups and abdominal work. Participants are on their toes the whole time, which helps balance, speed and co-ordination, plus there is the need to remain focused which in turn helps improve concentration.
“Picking up the technique is relatively straightforward as we have a high instructor to pupil ratio, and, as the sessions are carefully monitored, participants will not risk injuring themselves.
“The great thing about having the boxing evening to work towards is that it provides a challenge and a goal.
“However, we firmly believe that fitness needs to become an integral part of life if the benefits are to be maintained.
“Therefore, in order to keep people motivated, we run regular events that help people to keep up their skills levels and fitness.”
While the link between exercise and good health is widely recognised and understood, what is less well known is that exercise has a crucial part to play in the anti-ageing process.
Prof Judodihardjo, who is also the vice president of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors, said: “As we age our hormone levels decrease – this applies to men and women equally – however exercise has been shown to boost hormone levels helping maintain youthfulness in mind and body.
“Boosting hormone levels can help increase energy levels, improve skin tone and texture, improve immune system function, increase bone density and muscle mass and decrease body fat.”
Exercise has also been shown to build brain health. The Irvine Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, at the University of California, states: “Human and other animal studies demonstrate that exercise targets many aspects of brain function and has broad effects on overall brain health.
“The benefits of exercise have been best defined for learning and memory, protection from neuro-degeneration and alleviation of depression, particularly in elderly populations.”
Exercise reduces risk factors for a number of potentially lethal diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Prof Judodihardjo added: “It’s never too late to change your habits, and by establishing a healthy lifestyle now, you’ll continue to reap the rewards in the future.
“Furthermore, taking part in some form of exercise gets you out and about and meeting people, and social contact is also a crucial component in our health and happiness.”
The Elite Fitness Fight Club evening in aid of Latch takes place on June 11 at the Marriott Hotel, Cardiff. Call 029 2055 5272 for more information or to sponsor an event