August 15, 2024 In the recent online news magazine, Medium, neurosurgeon and wellness expert, Dr. Joseph Maroon describes what it takes to be a “Fitness Champion”. Read article here: Why & How Dr. Joseph Maroon Of Aviv Clinics Is Helping To Champion Fitness.

An Interview With Wanda Malhotra

Physical fitness is not just about lifting weights or running marathons; it’s about discipline, resilience, and continuous self-improvement. Fitness champions help coach and inspire others to achieve their fitness goals. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dr. Joseph Maroon.

Dr. Maroon is a Clinical Professor and Vice Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery and Heindl Scholar in Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburg Medical Center. He completed his Graduate Degree from Indiana University School of Medicine, with residencies completed at Georgetown University, Indiana University, Oxford University, and the University of Vermont. Dr. Maroon is the author of seven books and has served on the editorial boards of eight medical and neurological journals. Additionally, he has served as a neurosurgical consultant for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 39 years and was the first neurosurgeon directly team appointed in the NFL. Dr. Maroon became a consultant for Aviv Clinics after completing the clinic’s medical program and is a member of the Global Aging Consortium, an exclusive panel of leaders in the field of aging.

Health and longevity come down to five fundamental lifestyle behaviors.

First, cultivate a healthy mindset. To initially open the door to the gym, one should be aware that physical exercise resets feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and endocannabinoids in our brain. These increase the formation of new brain cells, markedly enhance mood and increase resilience. Without a healthy, positive attitude and mindfulness of the benefits of exercise, it’s very difficult to open that door to the gym.

Dietary control — a healthy anti-inflammatory diet of vegetables, fruits, nuts, berries, lean protein and appropriate supplements are essentials for building on any exercise program.

Cardio — 30 minutes a day, five days a week of brisk walking, swimming, water aerobics, biking, elliptical, dance and gardening are all ways to increase cardiovascular fitness and reduce the incidence of heart attacks and strokes, as well as some cancers.

Resistance and flexibility training — the use of light weights, bands, yoga, Pilates and tai chi are all helpful to reduce sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass, which occurs in all people after the age of 40.

Sleep — proper rest and sleep is restorative to the body as well as the brain. Poor and inadequate prolonged loss of sleep leads to earlier cases of dementia and markedly reduced peak performance in work, play or exercise.