Exercise This Often... For These Benefits!
Exercise + Health
The beneficial relationship between exercise and health dates back to the 5th century BC, when Hippocrates said, ‘‘Eating alone will not keep a man well; he must also take exercise. For food and exercise… work together to produce health.” Like food, let exercise “be thy medicine.”
This symbiotic relationship has been further defined by years of scientific research that shows a clear correlation between physical activity and health status. That is, those individuals who maintain an active lifestyle and remain fit live longer and healthier lives than those who don’t. That’s why at FRESH Med—exercise is one of our five pillars of health and wellbeing! For Dr. Graham, exercise is your prescription.
Julie being kind to her body!
The Benefits of Physical Activity: 8 Reasons to Get Active
Presented by the Center for Spirituality & Healing at The University of Minnesota, 8 pivotal reasons to get active:
1. Decrease risk of disease
2. Feel great physically
3. Look better
4. Sleep better
5. Live longer—up to five years!
6. Keep in shape so you can enjoy leisure activities
7. Avoid injury and safely perform work and home chores
8. Increase mental and social wellbeing
Many studies have shown that physical activity brings “a sense of purpose and value, a better quality of life, improved sleep, and reduced stress, as well as stronger relationships and social connectedness.” [1]
We all know exercise is good. But hooow good?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exercise can reduce your risk of:
1. Heart disease
2. Stroke
3. High blood pressure
4. Type 2 diabetes
5. Obesity
6. Depression
7. Breast and colon cancer
8. Osteoporosis
How much exercise do you need?
The CDC reports less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day; only 1 in 3 adults receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week.
“Some exercise is better than none: More is better than some.”
If you already feel so behind, so out of shape or unmotivated - be kind and forgiving of yourself! Like Dr. Graham says, "Some exercise is better than none, more is better than some." You'll get to your more, just get moving! Some days are easier than others; consistency is key. Start at a comfortable level and pace and then add a little more activity over time. The more physically active you become, the more health benefits you’ll gain.