HUMANS EVOLVED TO EXERCISE Unlike our ape cousins, humans require - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Unlike our ape cousins, humans require high levels of physical activity to be healthy. Exercise is not optional; it is essential.

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN ǀ SPECIAL EDITION ǀ FALL 2019

“Exercise that emulates the way we evolved is the most naturally engaging and efficient. Therefore it is more likely to be successful.”

Cathi Lamberti, founder and CEO, SMARTfit Inc.

By Herman Pontzer Illustration by Bryan Christie

HUMANS EVOLVED TO EXERCISE

• Cognitive/Brain/Neurological Issues now the leading cause of

skyrocketing health costs

• Endocrine health – Type 2 Diabetes rapidly on the rise
• Structural Health – Falls, back pain and inflammation rapidly on the

rise

• Risk to Human DNA – Science clearly shows that if we don’t use it

we lose it - at a DNA level.

Humans took millions of years to develop larger brains and strong leg muscles as we adapted to the hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Evidence shows that reversal through lack of use will be much faster.

Failure to Keep Moving is Already Having Consequences

Ex Exercise and Ag Aging

Solid evidence shows that exercise can help to prevent, delay and treat many diseases and conditions that affect individuals as they age. Exercise has been shown to:

• Help preserve bone mass and strength
• Strengthen muscles and joints
• Stimulate appetite
• Prevent or alleviate symptoms of chronic diseases, such

as hypertension and diabetes

• Improve cognition

We Know We Should Exercise, but Do We?

Exercise – Where Does it Fit in Most People’s Lives? Want to Have To

Acting Early Prolongs Enjoyment of Life

6

• Emulates movement reflecting

the way we evolved

• FUN and Social
• Highly Engaging – for the kid in

everyone

• Motivating - instant feedback
• Quick results
• Goal Oriented - engages the

brain effectively

• Combines Cognitive and Motor
• “Neurons that fire together

wire together.” Hebbian Theory

We Need a Big Solution and Gamification is the Key

Prevent:

• Dementia
• Falls
• Social Isolation
• Depression

Older Adults Require Specific Focus

Exercise - Needs to Address Key Parts

• f the Brain

Exercise – As We Age, It Takes More Effort to Get Results

ANXIETY FRUSTRATION FEAR OF FAILURE HIGH TASK DIFFICULTY LOW LOW HIGH SKILLS BOREDOM /ROUTINE LOSS OF INTEREST

FLOW

Exercise – Needs to be Easily Customizable to Match Each Individual’s Needs

Exercise – Needs to be Efficient and Address All Parts of the Brain

Frontal Lobe

Cognitively Demanding Activities Open Skill Activities Resistance Training Mind-Body Exercise

Temporal Lobe

Cardiovascular Exercise Closed Skill Activities Generalized Physical Activity

Parietal Lobe

Sensory – Rich Activities Visual – Spatial Demands Object – Based Activities

Cerebellum

Coordinative Exercise Skill & Motor Learning Open Skill Activities

Occipital Lobe

Visual – Spatial Demands Visual – Attention Demands Motor Control & Stimulation

Exercise – Needs to Deliver Sustained Results

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iOS/Android App User Interface High Quality Hardware Proprietary Operating System Customized Content

SMARTfit – Powerful Yet Easy to Customize

SMARTfit has the Program for You Regardless of Age or Ability!

Programming Can Be Set to Deliver Specific Outcomes

A Single Session Can Address Key Parts

• f the Brain

Balance Memory Social Connection

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Significant Benefits for the Aging Population

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Rehab & Wellness for At-Risk Populations

Visual-Motor

Visual Cognitive Motor Dual-tasking Balance & Vestibular

Creates a fun, social and engaging environment

SMARTfit Group Exercise Programs

Case Study on a 70-year-old with 1.5 years of

SMARTfit experience, after 5 weeks of targeted training

18% increase in Impulse Control 11% increase in Planning Skills 83% increase in Executive Function 13% increase in Visuospatial Memory

The SMARTfit Solution and Opportunity

• Dedicated specifically to the aging population
• Research-proven exercise assessment
• Programming clinically designed by specialists on aging
• Engaging, fun, progressive, results-oriented and social

THANK YOU!