health

Benefits of Exercise
By Rameshwor
The benefits of exercise are far-reaching. Clinical and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that regular aerobic exercise reduces the risk of death due to heart disease and stroke, aids in reducing weight, helps prevent diabetes mellitus, strengthens bones, and enhances immune function. The psychological benefits are also broad, and most studies suggest a positive relationship between physical fitness and mental achievement.

Getting in Shape
Physical fitness is often defined in terms of four measurements: cardiovascular-respiratory function, body composition (the proportion of lean body mass in comparison to fat), flexibility, and muscular endurance and strength. Exercise is characterized in terms of four variables as well: frequency, intensity, duration, and mode. In planning an exercise program, it is important to take into account one's personal fitness objectives and the exercise regimen that will best meet those objectives. Age and existing health conditions should also be considered. Individuals over the age of 40 or who suffer from serious health problems or physical limitations should first consult a physician for recommendations about the best exercise program to adopt.

Fitness Goals
If overall fitness or prevention of heart disease is a primary goal, 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity, daily aerobic exercise—such as walking, jogging, swimming, or dance aerobics—should be considered. In general, begin with shorter exercise sessions and gradually work up to 20 to 30 minutes. In addition to reducing risk of heart disease, such an aerobic-exercise program will also help in weight reduction and altering body composition, and in enhancing flexibility.

The most important aspect of getting in shape is to make exercise an integral part of one's lifestyle. Exercising to stay as physically fit and healthy as possible should be a lifelong commitment, and is especially important to people who perform little physical work in their day-to-day lives.

Comments