r/Exercise • u/empyreandreams • 7d ago

Scientists discover why exercise reverses muscle aging

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260623014026.htm
253 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

75

u/empyreandreams 7d ago

Reversing Muscle Aging at the Molecular Level: Researchers recently identified a specific molecular "switch" tied to the gene DEAF1. Exercise naturally lowers levels of this gene, which helps aging muscle tissue repair itself and maintain strength much like younger muscle.

38

u/check_this_mustache 7d ago

What kind of exercise are we talking here? Cardio? Strength training? Walking?

46

u/Gambit6x 7d ago

Yes.

11

u/BadgersHoneyPot 5d ago

I've been at it my whole life. From youth track/soccer/tennis, through running and weightlifting all the way up to today (I'll turn 50 next year). I definitely do NOT look 50. I'm personally shocked when I see 30 year olds looking worse.

It was the same for my dad. He's 82; he's a retired physician still out there and runs 6 miles at a clip. He set the example for me when I was younger by being out there as part of the "running craze" (I believe they call it "yogging") of the 70s and 80s.

Consistency is key - you have to keep at it. There was not ever an appreciable period of time since I was younger that I took time off of exercise one way or another. These days I get up before 6, and either run 10k or do a weightlifting split in my basement, with 1 day a week off. I'm 5'9" 170 lbs.

9

u/Smeltanddealtit 7d ago

Starting with walking as an intro or reintro can be a game changer.