Exercise for Science

17/03/2026

When it comes to staying healthy, those middle-aged men clocking up hours on their bikes might be onto something.

Cycling isn’t just gentle on joints - it also appears to slow down aspects of physical and mental ageing. Recent research - including our own - shows that hopping on a bike may help preserve muscle quality, boost immunity, improve mood and protect long-term health.

Our blog reviews recent findings - see exerciseforscience.org

03/03/2026

A recent article in the FT revisited a simple question that’s been asked many times before: is marathon running actually safe?

It looked at arguments for and against, with contributions from Exercise for Science.

Our latest blog (see exercise for science.org) summarises the key points and what the latest research suggests.

18/09/2025

🚶‍♀️💚 At 97 years old, Grace Chambers has just completed her 250th parkrun — only weeks after heart surgery.

At Exercise for Science, we believe exercise is one of the most powerful tools for health and longevity. Grace’s story proves that movement truly is medicine.

From her first 5k in Belfast at the age of 88, to becoming Europe’s oldest parkrunner to hit 250 runs, Grace reminds us that:
✅ Age is no barrier to meaningful activity
✅ Recovery is strengthened by movement
✅ Community and connection keep us going
✅ Setting new goals keeps the mind and body sharp

We’ve written about Grace’s incredible journey and what it teaches us about resilience, recovery, and the science of staying active.

👉 Read the full blog on our news page https://www.exerciseforscience.org/news

04/09/2025

✨ Doorway to strength after 40 ✨

Stiff joints, back niggles, and loss of flexibility don’t have to be part of midlife. Experts from orthopaedics, physiotherapy, sports science, endocrinology, and podiatry have come together to share the 6 essential moves everyone over 40 should do each week.

From counterbalance squats to bird dogs and heel raises, these exercises build strength, protect joints, and keep you moving with confidence. 💪

👉 Read the full blog to discover the expert-approved routine that supports bone health, balance, and energy for everyday life. https://www.exerciseforscience.org/news/must-do-exercises-over-40

Experts have recommended six key exercises to help us maintain strength, stability and mobility as we move into later life.

30/05/2025

You might not have heard of sarcopenia, but your body will definitely experience it.

Sarcopenia is the silent muscle thief — the natural but serious loss of muscle mass and strength that kicks in as early as our 30s—and speeds up as we get older. By the age of 70 or 80, many people have lost up to half their muscle mass.

Our latest blog explores the important role that MRI can play in exploring and resisting this loss. https://www.exerciseforscience.org/news/how-mri-is-transforming-scarcopenia-research

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Understanding why we lose muscle mass with age - and what that means for our bodies - is made easier with MRI scanning.

22/04/2025

With the London Marathon approaching this Sunday, the iPaper today asked ... What really happens to your body when you run a marathon?

This insightful feature explores the physical impact of marathon running — and features expert commentary from our very own Professor Alister Hart.

Exercise for Science combines clinical expertise with a passion for advancing how we understand joint and muscle health.

In the article, Prof Hart sheds light on the effects long-distance running has on the body — and how to prepare for it wisely.

AND - Prof Hart is putting our research to the test! He will be among the 50,000 runners pounding the streets of London this weekend.

📖 Read the full article: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/familyhealth/how-running-a-marathon-affects-your-body/ar-AA1Dmtpq

London Marathon runners may be anxious they are putting their bodies on the line this weekend - but these experts are highlighting the health benefits

19/12/2024

Our latest study draws from a personal passion for adventure and the incredible stories of kayakers redefining what's possible in their 60s and 70s.

Discover how science meets the spirit of exploration and gain tips for staying active and healthy at every stage of life.

👉 Read the blog:

How do these kayakers stay strong enough to paddle whitewater in their 60s and 70s?

24/09/2024

Our next research project takes us to Kathmandu, to explore muscle and joint health in the mountain porters of Nepal.

The medical world does not understand how the musculoskeletal system enables mountain porters to manage loads in excess of their own bodyweight - and at extreme altitudes.

By MRI scanning 50 porters, we hope to gain new insights into their muscle structure and strength.

Find out more: https://www.exerciseforscience.org/news/scaling-new-heights-kathmandu

15/07/2024

This week, Professor Hart appeared in a Wall Street Journal article exploring the pros and cons of different types of exercise.

Swimming and running are both increasingly popular with mid-lifers, yet hugely different in terms of their impacts and benefits.

While swimming is widely accepted to be less ‘hard on the body’, our own research suggests that running brings other, quite different and sometimes unexpected benefits.

So how do swimming and running compare as exercise choices, and what’s the best mix?

See our blog for all the details: https://www.exerciseforscience.org/news/swimming-or-running

14/02/2024

This week, a feature in the Guardian’s health section included views from Professor Hart as one of six joint experts.

In the article, Prof Hart is quoted as follows:

“People often think that running will damage their knees, but over the past decade I have conducted studies with the research group Exercise for Science that have shown how distance running can actually be good for rebuilding the health of middle-aged knees, provided injury-prevention exercises are done beforehand."

Read it here: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/feb/12/dont-be-afraid-to-slouch-and-always-wear-trainers-six-simple-tips-for-healthier-joints-from-the-experts

15/01/2024

We ran an MRI scan on BBC's Sophie Raworth hips and knees... and she wrote about the experience in Runner's World UK magazine. Find out more: https://buff.ly/47yUoTi

12/09/2023

Great to be a part of this helpful article in today’s Daily Mail with quotes from our very own Prof. Alister Hart!