What is Your Body Composition Analysis?

Movement is the foundation of longevity, but are you sure that your physical activity supports your long-term goals of health and vitality?

On the Longevity Travel website, we have highlighted the importance of movement as a fundamental pillar of longevity. In the blogs *Movement – the foundation of longevity begins today* and *Why movement is the foundation of longevity*, you will find introductory insights into how the right type of movement can influence your health and vitality over the years.

What are my activities?

Before I realized the full scope of movement for longevity, my physical activity was mainly a tool to manage stress – both at work and at home. Life is full of setbacks, some very tough and deep, but movement has always brought me back on the right path.

My main activity is hiking up the hill behind our house (1 hour and 45 minutes up and down), which I climb whenever I can. Regardless of the weather – snow, rain, or heat (a large part of the path goes through the forest) – nothing stands in my way. Sometimes, when I was on my way home from work, I could hardly wait to change clothes and go.

Why hiking uphill?

Hiking uphill helps me in many ways. It’s not just about burning calories but also about the therapeutic effects. When I walk, all problems become clearer and more solvable. I get new ideas, so I often carry my phone in my pocket to write them down immediately. When I return, I am full of hope and confidence that I can solve any challenge.

I have been doing this for 25 years, every day when the seasons allow it. The seasons are a challenge for this type of movement because I have one weakness – I struggle to stay in enclosed spaces such as gyms and fitness centers. And once I am home, I simply don’t want to get back in the car and drive somewhere.

So, I bought a stationary bike, which we eventually sold, then a spinning bike, which now gathers dust. In the end, I discovered an app with different exercises I can do at home, in the comfort of my living room, while watching TV or listening to audiobooks. I include these 2 to 3 times a week.

Of course, I encourage visiting fitness centers, gyms, pools… everything. We are all different, and everyone has to find the type of movement that suits them and is effective.

My passion: golf

In addition, I have another passion – golf. I play every weekend if possible. My wish is to play this game well into old age. This is one of my long-term goals.

Small everyday tricks

An important part of my movement are also small everyday tricks:
- I always used to walk to my office on the 5th floor, never taking the elevator,
- when possible, I go to the store by bike, not by car,
- and every day I strive to make at least 10,000 steps, either by walking or with other activities.

What I discovered while researching longevity?

When I systematically started to explore longevity, I realized that movement is not just an “activity”, but it must cover all key components: low-intensity endurance, high-intensity intervals, strength training, and stability.

I am now slowly incorporating these components into my routine. I discovered that some segments were missing from my activities, which could improve my results. One of these was adding weight training 2 to 3 times a week, but I still have plenty of room for progress.

I believe in data

I realize that the key to long-term health is tracking progress. When I learned about body composition analysis offered in health centers, I decided to take the test.

Even though I tend to be quite critical of public healthcare (mainly due to experiences with my parents), I must admit that I was very satisfied with the experience and the quality of free preventive programs available in Slovenia (since I know our newsletters are also read abroad, I mention that I am talking about Slovenia. I would be happy if readers from other countries share their experiences).

This gave me an insight into my physical condition and allowed me to reflect and move forward. That is why I encourage you to also do your body composition analysis. It will help you understand your body better and allow you to adapt your activities for better health.

I am attaching my own data, which shows that my lifestyle in this area has paid off so far. I still have room for improvement in sleep and mental health. More on that another time.

Conclusion

It is important to realize that movement and understanding your own body are not just part of daily routine, but the foundation for a long and healthy life.

Everyone must find their own way of moving, but persistence is the key. It’s not always pleasant, sometimes I have to push myself, but once I start, I have already won.

"I never won a fight in the ring. I won it during the preparations." – Muhammad Ali