Regular exercise improves fitness, state of mind

An increasing body of evidence shows the usefulness of exercise in improving the physical and psychological health of the human being.

Walking, swimming, bicycling and jogging are some of the types of exercise that are beneficial. Research seems to indicate two chief components that make exercise increase the well-being of the individual – consistency in performing the exercise and being outdoors.

Most of us who like the outdoors agree that a fall day in Central Texas is hard to beat when the temperature hovers in the mid-70s and the humidity remains low. After the very hot and humid “dog days” of August and September, these beautiful fall days are appreciated even more.

Exercising is a great way to get a head start on the holiday season’s inevitable battle against weight gain. Medical and behavioral scientists are gathering an increasing body of literature indicating that people who exercise regularly suffer less from depression and feel an increased sense of control in their life. Exercisers are more in control of their own destiny, fell that they are masters of their ship and that they are pulling their own strings.

Variables that seem to contribute to the perceptions of exercisers include:


A sense of accomplishment. Results come from setting a goal, such as walking a brisk three miles and then completing this task.

Biochemical changes. Not yet completely understood, some researchers believe there is a release of chemicals in the brain similar to those found in anti-depressant medications used by neuropsychiatrists.

Better mental health and positive feelings about one’s self. Regular exercise produces better sleep patterns, reduces tension and anxiety.

Whatever the explanations are for these positive benefits of exercise, don’t wait for all the evidence to come back. Start an exercise program and see the results for yourself. More and more Americans are recognizing the benefits and making it a part of their everyday exercise and routine.

Look around your neighborhood as early morning joggers and walkers wave to you as you pick up the morning paper. Observe the regular walkers on the indoor shopping malls circling the area and counting the rounds. Perhaps your organization promotes attendance in an exercise program, also emphasizing good nutrition, stress management and safety to improve their record of absenteeism, accidents, employee morale and productivity. Employers have found that the wellness programs are worth the organizational commitment in terms of money and time because the dividends returned to the organization are multifold.

Research also indicates that exercise may be the chief component in weight management programs. Regular exercise provides the homeostatic balance necessary to maintain proper weight; thus, the preoccupation with watching what one eats is less necessary.

Before beginning an exercise program, physical clearance should be obtained from one’s physician, especially for those who are out of shape and have not exercised regularly for a long period of time. Many people tend to “overdo” at first and suffer form sore muscles, sprains and other difficulties. Starting off slowly with a long-term commitment to an exercise program is the proper approach. Benefits gained can be among the most significant in one’s life. Fitness counts.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1985