Hidden Health Benefits of Exercise
December 9, 2008 Written by JP
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We all know the most common health benefits associated with regular exercise: enhanced heart health, assistance with weight management, healthier circulation and better mood. But, I think you might be surprised by some of the revelations made in a recent New York Times column by Jane E. Brody.
In her column, Brody interviewed Dr. Marilyn Moffat, a specialist in physical therapy at New York University.
Here are some of the highlights of that illuminating exchange.
Exercise was found to help:
+ COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – a progressive and often debilitating lung condition)
+ Congestive Heart Failure
+ Diabetes
+ Multiple Sclerosis
+ Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
+ Osteoporosis
+ Parkinson’s Disease
Pretty amazing, isn’t it? There’s very little having to do with good health that exercise doesn’t affect. This is becoming abundantly clear.
Tired? Try Exercise
“I’m too tired to exercise”. Really? Want to know my solution to that little dilemma?
Exercise!
Here’s why:
Recent research from the University of Georgia shows that people who are chronically tired can decrease their fatigue by 65% and increase their energy levels by 20% if they simply participate in frequent, low intensity exercise. And here’s the best part. The people in the study only had to exercise on stationary bikes for twenty-minutes three times a week.
Heal Your Wounds
New research from the University of Illinois may help to shatter yet another exercise myth. It appears that moderate intensity exercise may actually help our bodies heal wounds faster in two ways.
According to the lead researchers of the study, which was conducted on “old mice”, (1) exercise helped to lower excess inflammation. They also speculated that (2) improved circulation could have contributed to the quicker rate of healing in the mice that exercised.
K. Todd Keylock, a professor of kinesiology at Bowling Green State University, summarized the results by saying the following, “The key point of the study is that moderate exercise sped up how fast wounds heal in old mice”.
*** Disclaimer ***
Please allow me to make one thing very clear: Exercise isn’t appropriate in every recovery situation. Please consult with a health professional to determine what may or may not be best for you.
I hope these past few blogs will serve as a reminder to us all. We all need to make exercise a priority in our lives. I’ve already started exercising myself. I hope you’ll join me!
Be well!
JP
Referenced Material:
Link – Jane E. Brody: The Unexpected Effects of Exercise
Link – Exercise Prevents Fatigue
Link – Exercise Promotes Wound Healing
Related Posts:
Tags: Arthritis, COPD, Heart
Posted in Exercise
December 10th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
I’m a good example of “too tired to exercise”
.
December 11th, 2008 at 12:57 am
I hope you’ll take this column to heart, Kevin.
Try exercising and see if it doesn’t surprise you by giving you more energy.
One other benefit of exercise is improved sleep. An improvement in sleep can also help you feel less fatigued.
I hope you’ll give it a shot!
Be well!
JP
December 11th, 2008 at 2:29 am
I will, JP, thanks!
December 14th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
JP,
Great motivator! Savor the satisfaction and keep up your great work!
Paul
December 15th, 2008 at 1:30 am
Thanks, G Paul.
I appreciate your kind words.
Be well!
JP
May 28th, 2009 at 5:06 am
Exercising daily makes you feel fit and fine. There are many physical and mental benefits of doing exercise. You get a good sleep, you get less tired, less prone to diseases etc. Exercise helps in leading an energetic life.
May 28th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
I believe that’s true, Glenn. Exercise can very often increase energy – even though that may seem counterintuitive.
Be well!
JP
June 14th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Nice post. If only more people would realize why some form of exercise is so important for a healthier life. So many benefits both physically and mentally. Keep up the good work.
June 14th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Thanks, Desmond.
Be well!
JP
January 4th, 2010 at 8:15 am
I hope I can do more walking this 2010 than I was able to last year. Walking did a lot for me in terms of weight maintenance and better sleep. I guess I should not hope but commit to walk more. I need it especially after the holidays.
January 4th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
You can do it, Belen!
I think one of the keys is to make yourself a priority in your life. Sometimes “personal time” isn’t thought of are being essential because it’s considered “self-centered”. But I think that’s not accurate. If we take better care of ourselves (and set a better example for others) it inevitably ends up benefiting those around us.
I’ll be exercising more in 2010. Please try and do the same! We can both make it work!
Be well!
JP