WHY EXERCISE?

Something to think about. Twenty-Four percent of all Americans are completely sedetary and 54 percent have inadequate levels of activity. Research has shown physical and cardiorespiratory activity are extremely important to life's longevity. Regular physical activity decreases the risk of several chronic diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. We are learning that most of the frailty of old age is due to decades of sedetary living habits. Many individuals in their late 70s and 80s have been inactive for so long that disuse atrophy has led to extreme loss of muscle tissue.

Even though we have endless information on the benefits of excercising and the adverse affects of lowering our daily energy expenditure, we seem to be doing just that. Over the past several years, technology has provided us wih many time and energy saving devices. Due to this, there has been a steady decline in our daily energy ependiture. It is very unlikely that we will give up our modern conveniences, so this leaves us with one of two choices. We have the option to remain sedentary and accept the risk of disease and dysfunction or we can take advantage of all the research and increase our energy expenditure.

Some of the health benefits associated with regualr exercise are lowering the risk of heart disease. When you exercise regularly you help to lower cholestrol which in turn lowers blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. Avoiding adult onset diabetes, the body's ability to regulate the level of sugar in the blood is called blood sugar tolerance. Research has shown that non insulin dependant diabetes is much more likely to develop in adults that do not participate in regular exercise. Exercise helps the body use natural insulin and therefore helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. Improved bone density tests have shown that regular exercise, especially weight bearing excercises such as dancing, walking, and jogging help to maintain bone density. Psychological well being. Not only is it important for you to be physically well mentally fit, is just as important. Persons that excerise regularly have shown tht they sleep better, experience less depression, stress, and anxiety, improved confidence, improved outlook on life, and better self-image.