Longevity and ageing

Exercise, even after the age of 50, can add healthy and active years to one’s life. Simply walking regularly can prolong life in the elderly. Moderately fit people, even if they smoke or have high blood pressure, have a lower mortality rate than the least fit.

Diabetes

Aerobic activity is proving to have significant benefits for people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes; it increases sensitivity to insulin, lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels and decreases body fat.

Anyone on insulin or who has complications from diabetes must take special precautions before embarking on a workout program.

Osteoarthritis

Exercise helps to reduce pain and stiffness, and increases flexibility, muscle strength, endurance and well being. Exercise also helps people reduce their weight and maintain weight loss. Osteoarthritis patients should avoid high-impact sports such as jogging.

Osteoporosis

Exercise is very important for slowing the progression of osteoporosis. Even moderate exercise (as little as an hour a week) helps reduce the risk of fractures, but anyone who is in good health should aim for more.

Back Problems

One of the most common complaints of modern men and women in the workplace is Lower back pain.

Exercises that strengthen the abdominal muscles such as partial sit-ups, which maintain the backs normal curve and help support the body’s weight, can decrease the stress on the lower back.

Lung Disease

Although exercise does not improve lung function, training helps some patients with chronic lung disease by strengthening their limb muscles, which in turn will improve their endurance and reduce breathlessness.

Cancer

A number of studies have shown that regular, even moderate exercise reduces the risk of colon cancer. Moderate exercise may also help reduce the risk of prostate cancer and possibly breast cancer (the benefits will vary according to a woman’s menstrual cycle)

Effects on Colds and Flu

Although offering no proof of improved immunity from exercise, there is proof that those who participated in employee fitness programs on average had nearly 5 days a year less sickness than those who did not participate.

People should avoid strenuous physical activity when they have high fevers or widespread viral illnesses.

Central nervous system diseases

People with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease should be encouraged to exercise, in addition, the psychological benefits of exercise are extremely important in managing these disorders. Exercise machines, aquatic exercises and walking are particularly useful.

Pregnancy

Healthy Women with normal pregnancies should exercise at least 3 times per week, being careful to warm up, cool down and drink plenty of fluid.

All pregnant women should avoid high impact, jerky and jarring exercises such as dancing which can weaken the pelvic floor muscles that support the uterus. During exercise women should monitor their temperature to avoid over heating – a side effect that can damage the uterus.

Gastrointestinal problems

Older people who exercise moderately may have a lower risk for severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Moderate exercise may even reduce the risk of some intestinal disorders such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and indigestion.

Leg Cramps

Exercise can improve the pain from clogged arteries in the legs. By taking part in moderate exercise people have found the time it takes for the pain to come on has tripled.

Weight loss

Exercise burns calories and can help individuals fight obesity, if calorie intake remains healthy and constant then linked with regular physical activity will lead to weight loss.

A recent study indicated that for obese people, a few daily sessions for as short as 10mins each was effective in helping them make progress in keeping with an exercise program and loose a few pounds.

Psychological and Emotional benefits

Aerobic exercise is linked with improved mental vigour, including reaction time and maths skills. Exercising may even enhance creativity and imagination. Both aerobic and non-aerobic workouts have been shown to reduce depression. Exercise can be as effective in improving the mood in clinically depressed people as some forms of psychotherapy. Regular exercise can lead to less sleep disturbances, how ever, intense exercise in the evening can lead to sleep disturbances.