HEALTHY EXERCISE PROGRAM
Health Benefits of a Modest Exercise Program.
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Weight loss
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Lower blood pressure
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Stronger bones and decreased risk of
osteoporosis
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Lower cholesterol levels
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Elevated levels of "good" HDL cholesterol
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Decreased levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol
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Decreased levels of triglycerides----the other
fat in the blood
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Increased strength and coordination, which leads
to decrease risk of falls
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Improved sensitivity to insulin
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Enhanced immune system
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Overall increase in the sense of well-being
(The Surgeon General of the United States issued a
statement in the early 1980’s listing all these major health benefits
that result from having a modest exercise program.)
Everyone is aware that moderate, consistent exercise is essential to a
healthy lifestyle. But how many Americans put this good knowledge to
use?
The best type and duration of exercise is always a continual debate
among exercise gurus. However, as a physician, I have a different
attitude about how one should approach developing an exercise program.
It is more important to exercise consistently than to worry about how to
exercise. Any exercise program is better than none. Choose an exercise
program in which you can remain consistent. You need to enjoy as much as
possible the exercise program so you will stay with it. Schedule
workouts instead of trying to work an exercise program into your
existing schedule. I can testify that this does not work—my schedule
always wins out. It is very important that you not hurt yourself when
starting an exercise program. Don’t overdue it, most of us have not been
in good shape for years, if ever. Start slowly and gradually
increase the length and intensity of your workouts. It is not a race.
Your strength and endurance will increase. If my patients have any
joint or musculoskeletal problems, I have them see a physical therapist
who can guide their exercise program and help protect them from injury.
If you have any risk of coronary artery disease or are over 40, you need
to see your physician and obtain an exercise stress test by a
cardiologist before beginning any exercise program. There are
health benefits to a simple walking program. If my patients want to
swim, ride a bike, play racquetball, basketball, or even walk while
golfing, it does not matter to me. I have found, however, that a
combination of aerobics with strength training is the ideal workout
program.
Benefits of Strength/Resistance Training.
The benefits of aerobic exercise have been well
publicized over the last several decades. But many people still react
negatively to strength or resistance training, thinking only of
bodybuilding or training just for athletes. What is not widely known is
the positive fitness and health benefits of strength or resistance
training for ordinary adults of all ages.
In a well-designed program, resistance training can provide increased
stress to the long bones of the upper extremities, the spine, pelvis and
ribs. This can produce positive results for those who may have, or who
are prone to osteoporosis. Generally an aerobics program will only
stress the lower extremities.
When losing weight many are not concerned whether they lose muscle mass
along with the fat mass; they just want to "lose weight." Resistance
training can prevent the loss of muscle mass while aiding in your fat
loss effort. Since muscle is the furnace that burns the fuel (glucose),
the more muscle mass that you have, the easier it is to maintain your
optimal body weight (mass).
Exercise, including strength training, helps to make the body more
sensitive to its natural insulin not only during, but following exercise
sessions. This is a great benefit to those who have diabetes mellitus or
for those who want to avoid becoming diabetic.
It was once believed that the loss of muscle mass, especially in the
upper body, was a normal part of the aging process. This is far from the
truth. Strength training not only helps prevent the loss of muscle mass
associated with aging but can actually increase muscle mass in those
even in their 80’s and 90’s. It is a known fact, that we begin losing
muscle mass after age 35 unless we are involved in strength training.
Studies also indicate that healthy, elderly individuals who are stronger
are less likely to have frequent falls. An appropriately designed
resistance program can also help maintain flexibility and balance. The
benefits of an exercise program may be enhanced by adding stretching
exercises. A well-designed work out can also have significant
cardiovascular benefits. Resistance training plays a vital role in
preventing heart attacks by conditioning the cardiovascular system to
cope more efficiently with sudden changes in blood pressure and heart
rate.
Needless to say, it is important to get a balance of aerobics,
resistance training and stretching into your exercise program. I
recommend modest aerobics at least two to three times a week and
strength training two to three times a week. Giving your body a chance
to rest is also an essential aspect to health. Our bodies actually
become stronger during rest. When you’re tearing down muscle and
building up your aerobic capacity, your body needs some time off to
rest. You should try to have at least one or two days off each week.
( from Releasing the Fat program, Dr. Ray Strand, www.releasingfat.com )
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