Exercise the Physiology and the Results

By Yvette C. Ross Hebron, MD, MA, RAc,

We are the land of the free, and for the first time in our history, we Americans don't have to exercise, we choose to exercise. So, why choose to exercise? There are several scientific and proven reasons for an exercise program.

Exercise improves fat metabolism (the breakdown of fat). It is known that impairments in fat metabolism are important factors in the development of obesity and diabetes. Regular exercise acutely increases fat breakdown and the loss of fat mass.

Exercise increases HDL (the good cholesterol that is heart protectant). In addition, exercise increases endorphins (those natural occurring pain killers in the body). This is one of the reasons many physicians including physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians will prescribe an exercise program for many conditions where pain is a symptom. With exercise you are stimulating the natural pain killers in your body to become active.

In osteoarthritis, the endorphins stimulated with exercise helps to reduce the pain associated with the arthritis. In addition, an active exercise program leads to weight reduction therefore, taking weight off of the joints. For every pound of weight loss there are four pounds of weight reduction off of the joint.

In the individual with or developing osteoporosis, exercise helps to build bone mass and density. With weight bearing exercises such as aerobic, walking, or running, stress is placed resulting in bone stimulation.

There are a multitude of benefits associated with exercise. Begin exercising today under the supervision of a physician or an exercise physiologist if you have not exercised in a prolonged period of time, to achieve health, wellness, and vitality.