Get Moving

Why is movement considered a form of medicine? There has been plenty of research regarding exercise and how physical activity can improve and decrease one’s risk of developing various conditions and diseases. Why is this the case?

Moving in general helps to increase overall blood flow into our bodies. With an increase in blood flow, there will also be an increase in overall flexibility of muscles and joints, improvement in posture, and improvement in overall quality of life. Exercise is known to release endorphins into our systems, but there is evidence out there that demonstrates how recent studies spotlight the easing of symptoms of various diseases due to exercise.

Here are some fun facts from studies that have been developed:

• Physical activity can improve arthritis symptoms by 40 percent.

• Exercise alleviates some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and can slow its progression.

• Exercise can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Specifically, exercising moderately for 150 minutes a week can decrease your risk of developing diabetes by 26 percent.

• Sitting for too long can increase your risk of dying early – why is this? Sitting for prolonged periods can reduce blood flow to the lower extremities and increases the risk of heart disease by accelerating the build up of plaque in the arteries. However, as reported in the Harvard Health Blog, as little as 25 minutes of moderate activity a day can offset some of the negative effects of eight hours of sitting. Moreover, 60-75 minutes of activity per day eliminates the risk of death entirely, even in those who sit for more than eight hours or more.

• Standing up and walking around for five minutes every hour improves health and well-being. A study dealing with desk workers concluded: “Standing up and walking around for five minutes every hour during the workday could lift your mood, combat lethargy without reducing focus and attention, and even dull hunger pangs, according to an instructive new study.”

• Exercise can boost your mental health. Exercise can counter depression, stress, and anxiety, according to the research here. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports evidence that regular exercise can work as well as medication for some people who suffer from anxiety and depression.

After looking at these studies, what are some ways we can increase exercising? Start with mini goals and little ways to break some bad habits. An important thing to do is JUST START. Try just working out 5-10 minutes per day and begin to increase from there.

Have questions or concerns?

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changepower/201703/is-it-true-movement-is-medicine
2. Other links listed above