Introduction to the GET STARTED with Physical Activity Program
By Ruben Guerena
Physical Activity Instructor – Sanoviv Medical Institute

Fitness conditioning has long been employed as a means of enhancing and strengthening athletic capacity and performance.  In the last 15 years, research has verified that exercising has potent health-enhancing effects on both physical and psychological well-being.   Exercise programs have proven helpful in the treatment of many illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and hypertension.  A recent study by the Harvard School of Medicine has indicated that people who exercise tend to live longer, more fulfilling lives.

Benefits of Exercise

A great deal of ill health is directly related to a lack of physical activity.  People who exercise have more stamina, higher immune function, increased bone density and muscle mass, and lower body fat than their sedentary peers.  Active people have more self-confidence, are less depressed and, even late in life, tend to be more energetic.  Our bodies are designed for motion. When we use them as they were intended, we are rewarded with increased health, vitality, and even longevity.

Exercise improves physical health and can:

• Increase levels of HDL (“good” cholesterol)
• Improve cardiovascular health, lowering risks for  heart disease
• Reverse adult onset diabetes (Type II) and manage blood sugar disorders
• Prevent the formation of gallstones
• Improve lung capacity and function
• Increase muscle flexibility and strength
• Build and maintain bone mass
• Accelerate the removal of cellular toxins
• Increase cellular uptake of nutrients and oxygen

Exercise improves mental health and can:

• Decrease anger, hostility, fatigue, inertia, tension, and anxiety
• Improve learning potential, memory, and cognitive skills
• Elevates mood and improve self-image
• Reduce the effects of stress

Begin thinking about exercise and how it can positively affect your health.  In our next post, we will review what you can do to get started on the path to regular physical activity.  Look for our upcoming information about the many ways to start simply and truly enjoy activity as we strive to motivate you toward a better quality of life.