Dick Van Dyke reveals three times a week longevity | UK News

Dick Van Dyke has confessed, as he nears his one hundredth birthday, that if he neglects one explicit factor of his weekly schedule, he “really can feel it”. The legendary performer, who was born in 1925 and celebrates his centenary on December 13, continues to “do guest spots” despite his advancing years.

The 99-year-old star, whose portfolio consists of beloved youngsters’s movies Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, just lately penned an article in which he seemed back on his century and shared his method to life.

Among his revelations was a potential clue to his outstanding longevity, one which underscores the importance of bodily exercise regardless of age. Indeed, he disclosed his method under a heading entitled: “And, yes, go to the gym.”

Dick revealed to the Sunday Times: “I still try to hit the gym three times a week. I don’t know why this is something I still want to do but it is. I’m not a ‘wake up and go back to bed’ type just yet, unless it’s cold and rainy.”

He added: “If I miss too many gym days, I really can feel it – a stiffness creeping in here and there. If I let that set in, well, God help me.”

Dick went on to define a number of “carrots” that he’ll “dangle in front” of himself as incentives. His motivational record featured a post-exercise smoothie or “frothy caffeine treat” alongside what he characterised as “full-body tingly exhilaration”.

Beyond the sensation of achievement, he emphasised the bonus rewards of a “sharper mind”, a well-deserved relaxation, and “limber” dancing. Regarding his exercise regime, Dick usually performs a “circuit” of the different tools.

He commences with sit-ups before progressing to his legs and finally, concentrating on his higher physique. However, it is his legs that he prompt obtain explicit consideration, describing them as two of his “most cherished possessions”.

The NHS states that older adults ought to goal to undertake some sort of bodily exercise daily, highlighting how it could improve health and scale back the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease.

It really helpful people aged 65 and above needs to be bodily lively every day, interact in actions that help with flexibility, stability and strength (no fewer than twice weekly), and full at least 150 minutes of what it described as “moderate intensity activity” per week.

It said people may do 75 minutes of “vigorous intensity activity” if they’re at present lively (as properly as combining the 2). It also prompt that people ought to scale back the quantity of time they spend sitting or mendacity down.

Finally, if people discover themselves spending long intervals of time not transferring, they need to goal to break this up.

You can read more about the matter on the NHS web site.