GENERAL WELLNESS Health Benefits
improved imune system
The immune system is a complex, dynamic, and beautifully orchestrated mechanism with enormous responsibility. It defends against foreign invasion by microorganisms, screens out cancer cells, adapts as we grow, and modifies how we interact with our environment. When it malfunctions, disease, cancer or death can occur. It appears that the immune system has a training effect, similar to other areas of physiology (e.g., cardiovascular, muscular). In other words, a balanced training program of exercise and rest leads to better performance. Studies in the laboratory and epidemiological observations have shown improved immune function in people who workout regularly as compared to their couch-potato counterparts. This is especially true in older people and it appears that regular exercise can help attenuate the age related decline in immune function.
slows the aging process (Aging Gracefully)
There is no more important reason to practise regurarly than to ensure graceful aging. Physical activity keeps us alive and vibrant. Strength training ensures we are strong enough to participate in aerobic activities, outdoor recreation, and sports. Strong seniors fall down less. If they do fall down, their stronger bodies are more resilient, are injured less by the fall and are able to heal more quickly after an injury.
Reduces Chronic disease problems
The benefits of regular physical activity in preventing chronic disease have been widely reported. Regular physical activity can also help manage the symptoms of chronic disease and improve quality of life. Even small increases in light to moderate activity will improve your clients health if they are not currently active. It is important to start slowly and check with their health care provider before getting started. Here are examples of just some of the most common chronic diseases:
1. Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease is the most common form of heart disease in the Western world. Prevention centers on modifiable risk factors, which include decreasing cholesterol levels, addressing obesity and hypertension, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, making healthy dietary choices, and stopping smoking. Regular physical activity or cardiorespiratory fitness decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality in general and of coronary heart disease mortality in particular. The extent of decreased risk of coronary heart disease attributable to regular physical activity is similar to that of other lifestyle factors, such as abstaining from tobacco use. Regular physical activity prevents or delays the development of high blood pressure, and exercise reduces blood pressure in people with hypertension. Physical activity can also lower blood cholesterol levels which then decrease the risk of developing coronary disease.
2. Asthma and other lung diseases
Lung diseases include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema and other conditions that decrease your ability to breathe. Physical activity can help increase the length of time you are able to do things (like walking), reduce your symptoms, and decrease the number of hospital visits. Begin with low intensity exercise and gradually increase as your shortness of breath begins to decrease. Work with your health care provider to determine the best exercise program for you.
3. Diabetes
Regular physical activity can help a person with diabetes control the disease in several ways. Physical activity can:
• control blood glucose levels
• decrease the need for insulin
• improve circulation
• help with weight loss
Mild to moderate aerobic exercise on a Freestyler device can help control diabetes. Again, you must consult with your health care provider before starting an exercise program if you have diabetes. It's important to have diabetes under control and to work with health provider to coordinate changes in other parts of diabetes management plan.