Exercise benefits more than weight loss

Summer is almost over, and hopefully cooler weather is just around the corner.

Indian summer is perfect for outdoor exercise, and if you life in an area of the country where the summer heat curtails your outdoor activities, then perhaps outside jogging, walking, bicycling, or tennis can begin again for you.

With the long stretch of time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s coming up, exercise may help you take off a few pounds prior to this period of “caloric abundance.”

Exercise, should of course, be a year-round part of everyone’s life. Let’s review a few of the benefits:

• Stress reduction. The tension developed in today’s fast-paced society can be reduced by regular exercise. Many of us know the relaxed feeling experienced after we complete a long walk, a good swim or several sets of singles tennis. Exercise can help you deal with the feelings of frustration, disappointment and even anger that build up during the course of a hectic day.

• Alleviate depression. Studies have demonstrated an association between mental health and level of physical activity. Many authorities believe that regular physical exercise is effective in decreasing the frequency and intensity of depression. Other medical and mental health experts believe that exercise is also an effective treatment for depression, especially mild to moderate forms of this emotional difficulty.

• Reducing anxiety. Researchers have also found that exercise can be helpful in reducing anxiety, especially acute forms of this disorder.

• Medical value. Exercise can be effective in establishing and maintaining weight and can also assist in bringing medical problems such as diabetes and hypertension under control. A medical clearance should always be obtained from one’s physician, especially if medical problems exist, if one is just beginning an exercise program and has led a sedentary lifestyle or if the individual is older. Exercise types and schedules can be modified, however, for most individuals, including the elderly, those with medical problems and those who are in poor physical condition.

• Better sleep. Exercise can be effective in assisting those suffering from sleep disorders. Various forms of insomnia, including problems of going to sleep, staying asleep or awakening early, can be positively influenced by exercise. Exercise, however, should be completed several hours before retiring.

• Recreational diversion. Exercise can be accomplished in many recreational and leisure activities. It can put a balance into an individual’s life by creating a diversion from work and other necessary daily demands. Tennis, golf (walking), skiing and hiking are all classic examples of combining exercise and hobbies.

Next week I will discuss other aspects of exercise as a component in maintaining good health.

Copyright c 1997 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.