Many years ago when I was a medical student (and for those of you who know me it was a LONG time ago!) I undertook a study module with this heading. My findings were astonishing and the polar opposite of what I had thought-it seemed that exercise reduced the energy available to the body to function and repair, thus negatively affecting immune health, bone health, heart health. The list goes on.
Fortunately much more research has been undertaken since then and I can confirm with a resounding YES! Exercise really is VERY good for you!! (Thank goodness otherwise this would be a very short blog 😂) I hear a groan from some of you and a cheer from others……
Firstly I would just like to put out there exercise doesn’t have to mean running a marathon. It can be whatever you want it to be. Walking the dog, swimming, playing football with your kids. But it should both increase your heart rate and make you slightly out of breath in order to obtain many of the positive health benefits. It is important to remember to gradually increase intensity and sometimes it is best to do this with professional guidance, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or previous injuries.
So what are the benefits to exercise, I hear you ask? If you are going to get out of breath and sweaty you want to know it’s benefiting you, right? Well I can 100% guarantee you that it is of great benefit, and there’s not much in medicine (or life!) that comes with that certainty!
Improved gut microbiome health-this can improve your metabolism and cardiovascular system by reducing blood sugars, fats, blood pressure and inflammation, thereby reducing your risk of heart attacks, strokes and type 2 diabetes, amongst others. Weight is also better controlled and obesity reduced.
Mental health-this is a hot topic at the moment. Exercise releases endorphins which reduce stress and anxiety and make you feel good. It can also increase energy levels, again helping with the symptoms of depression. Exercise can also improve your brain function and reduce your risk of cognitive impairment in later life.
Increased muscle strength and bone density-particularly weight bearing exercise such as walking, dancing, strength classes. Muscle mass is increased, soft tissue strength improved (such as ligaments and tendons) thus reducing risk of injury and some arthritic conditions related to wear and tear. And an increase in bone density helps reduce osteoporotic fracture risk in later life, be it wrist, hip or spine, each potentially catastrophic to an individual.
Moderate exercise is now thought to enhance the immune system helping our body to fight off illnesses and other long term health conditions that affect our immune systems. And of course those people that exercise regularly are more likely to live longer, healthier and happier lives. And they will feel better in a bikini…..
So are you convinced? If so then please come along to our monthly Cowbridge walking session (time and place to be announced-watch this space). We will walk, talk and hopefully laugh. There will also be an opportunity to chat to our ‘resident expert’ on a variety of lifestyle related matters. We look forward to seeing you!!
