Benefits of Exercise

Benefits of Exercise

Some of the Benefits of Exercise

Exercise is good for you! All individuals respond differently to exercise even when participating in the same programme. Benefits that may occur with regular, consistent aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercise are listed below.

Exercise Improves:

Well being
Weight control
Body composition: less fat, more muscle
Muscle tone and strength
Sleep patterns
Flexibility
Heart and lung function
Skin tone, youthful appearance
Productivity
Overall quality of life.

The Health Benefits of Exercise: Reduction of:

· Risk for heart disease and premature death

· Risk for stroke

· Risk of developing diabetes

· Body weight or body fat, lowering your BMI. BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a numerical value used in most clinical settings to determine if a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. BMI provides a more accurate measure of total body fat than the assessment of body weight alone. Increased BMI is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality

· Risk for osteoporosis

· Depression and anxiety.

Exercise Also:

Prevents/helps control high blood pressure
Prevents/helps control high cholesterol
Builds and maintains healthy bones, muscles, and joints
Promotes a younger and healthier body
Helps you manage stress more effectively
Provides an easy way to share activities with family and friends and an opportunity to meet new friends.

Click here for an information sheet on Physical Activity - Getting Started

Click here for an information sheet on Having an Exercise Test

Click here for an information sheet on Fitness Norms in the Population

Click here for Information Sheet on Diet, Cholesterol and the Benefits of Exercise

WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDATIONS?

Thirty to sixty minutes of moderate intensity activity, or activity that causes increases in breathing and heart rate, is recommended on most, if not all days of the week.

If you have an underlying medical condition such as a heart disorder, high blood pressure, lung conditions, asthma, arthritis, or osteoporosis you should meet with your GP or a Sports Medicine specialist prior to starting any new exercise program. This is to help to make it safer for you to exercise. Customised programmes for you can also be devised.

It is also recommended that you do some simple weight training exercises. Our Personal Trainer is available to help you construct a workable and effective exercise programme for both cardiovascular and strength improvements. Click Personal Training for further information.

FOR THE RELUCTANT EXERCISER: HOW TO MAKE IT WORK

The key to success in any exercise programme or plan is to find activities that you enjoy and that you will want to participate in. Once you have found an activity you enjoy, it will become much easier to gain the benefits associated with regular exercise.

Identify the barriers that you think are preventing you to being active:

How to Approach Perceived Barriers

Reason: How to get past it:

I do not have time. Can’t you afford three 30 minute sessions each week? How much TV do you watch?

You can split the sessions into 10 minute portions – e.g. going for a brisk walk at lunch time.

I am usually too tired to exercise. Regular activity will improve your energy level. Try and see for yourself.

Exercise is boring. Listening to music during your activity keeps your mind occupied. Get a friend to join you. Join a class.

Walking, biking, or running can take you past lots of interesting scenery.

I do not enjoy exercise. Do not “exercise.” Start a hobby or an enjoyable activity that gets you moving.

I get sore when I exercise. Slight muscle soreness after physical activity is common when you are just starting. It should go away in 2 to 3 days. You can avoid this by building up gradually and stretching after each activity.