Exercise as Medicine: Mikel Izquierdo's Vision

Quick Summary

Mikel Izquierdo, a professor at the Spanish Olympic Committee, is advocating for a paradigm shift in how aging and physical activity are viewed. He argues that the most significant competition is not about shaving seconds off a race time, but rather preventing the elderly from becoming bedridden. According to Izquierdo, aging well means maintaining the strength to move, a clear mind to make decisions, and the ability to recover quickly when life presents challenges. He emphasizes that exercise is the key to achieving these goals. Furthermore, he believes that failing to utilize exercise as a preventative measure is unethical given the current scientific knowledge regarding its effects. This perspective reframes physical activity from a recreational pursuit to a medical necessity, similar to a prescription drug.

Redefining the Competition

For nearly three decades, Mikel Izquierdo has served as a professor in the High Sports Performance Master's program at the Spanish Olympic Committee. While his background involves elite athletics, his current focus is on a different kind of performance. He suggests that the most interesting competition is not found on the track or the field, but in the daily struggle against immobility. The goal is to ensure that a bed does not immobilize an older person.

The concept of healthy aging is often misunderstood, but Izquierdo provides a clear definition. It is not merely about living longer, but about the quality of those years. He identifies three critical pillars for successful aging:

• Conserving the physical strength required to move
• Maintaining a mind clear enough to make decisions
• Retaining the capacity to recover quickly when life presents obstacles

By shifting the focus from competitive metrics to functional independence, the role of physical activity changes fundamentally. It becomes a tool for autonomy rather than just a means to win medals.

Exercise as a Pharmaceutical

The central thesis of Izquierdo's argument is that exercise must be treated with the same seriousness as a medical prescription. He explicitly states, "Hay que tratar el ejercicio como un fármaco" (Exercise must be treated as a drug). This comparison highlights the potent physiological effects that physical activity has on the human body, particularly in preventing decline.

As a researcher at the Universidad Pública de Navarra, Izquierdo grounds his philosophy in scientific evidence. He posits that the knowledge we currently possess regarding the benefits of exercise makes its omission from a health regimen a matter of ethics. If a treatment exists that can prevent immobility and cognitive decline, failing to prescribe it is not just a missed opportunity, but a failure of care. This viewpoint challenges individuals and healthcare systems to prioritize physical activity as a non-negotiable component of health maintenance.

The Ethical Imperative

The ethical dimension of Izquierdo's work adds weight to his advocacy. He argues that given the current level of scientific understanding, not engaging in physical activity is unethical. This is a strong statement that places the responsibility on both the individual and the medical community to integrate movement into daily life. The evidence suggests that the consequences of inactivity are severe, leading to a loss of independence that could have been avoided.

By framing the issue in terms of ethics, the conversation moves beyond personal preference or aesthetic goals. It becomes a public health priority. The ability to recover quickly is a vital sign of health, and Izquierdo's work at the Comité Olímpico Español and the Universidad Pública de Navarra aims to spread this message. The ultimate objective is to shift the cultural perception of aging from a period of inevitable decline to a phase of life that can be actively managed through physical discipline.

Conclusion

Mikel Izquierdo's perspective offers a clear and actionable path toward better health outcomes for aging populations. By treating exercise as a drug, individuals can proactively address the physical and mental challenges associated with growing older. His work underscores the importance of strength, mental clarity, and resilience. As the population ages, the principles advocated by experts like Izquierdo will likely become increasingly central to discussions on healthcare and quality of life. The message is simple yet profound: movement is medicine.