Exercise has long been recognized as essential for maintaining good health — but now, scientists have discovered a surprising new benefit that goes beyond the individual.
A team of Chinese researchers has found that the positive effects of exercise can be passed down from fathers to their children, influencing their offspring’s health, strength, and endurance.
The joint study, conducted by Nanjing University and Nanjing Medical University, involved experiments on mice. The researchers observed that the benefits gained through regular exercise — including increased muscle mass, stronger bones, and lower body fat — were transferred genetically to the next generation.
According to the study, exercise triggers specific molecular and genetic changes in sperm that alter how certain genes are expressed in offspring. These genetic modifications lead to improved metabolism, physical strength, and resistance to fatigue in the children.
The findings suggest that a father’s physical activity level before conception can have a measurable impact on the health of his future children — a revelation that highlights how lifestyle choices can influence not only one’s own body but also the wellbeing of the next generation.
Experts believe this discovery could help shape future research on genetic inheritance, reproductive health, and preventive medicine, showing that staying active benefits both current and future generations in ways previously unknown.
