Exercise is Medicine!

Doctors, researchers, scientists, and even ancient philosophers have long claimed that exercise works like a miracle drug.

Now they have proof! 

The most effective way to improve quality of life and duration of life is exercise. Research shows that people who are sedentary are more at risk for many different kinds of cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and early death by any cause. Inactivity can worsen arthritis symptoms, increase lower-back pain, and lead to depression and anxiety. Exercise is a great way to improve muscular and cardiorespiratory strength, increase bone density, relieve stress, prevent disease and much more. 



How much exercises do I need?

The World Health Organization & the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise adults to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise each week and twice weekly muscle strengthening. A study was done to test the effects of a 10-minute workout compared with a 50-minute workout. The 10-minute workout consisted of three 20 second bouts of all out, hard-as-you-can exercise, followed by brief recovery. In a three-month study, the results showed identical improvements in heart function and blood sugar control. Doing 10-minute bouts of High-Intensity Interval Training a few times a day can have equal benefits to a continuous 30-50 minute workout. Find what suits you and your schedule.

What counts as moderate intensity exercise?

Everything you think when you think of exercise — plus lots of things you don’t, including walking the dog, carrying heavy groceries and gardening. Do at least 10 minutes at a time and break it up however you want! If I hate lifting weights, can I just do cardio? Sorry, but if your goal is to live longer and healthier, you should do both, because they offer different benefits! Cardio will prevent you from being winded after climbing stairs, while strength training will build muscle and bone, which protects against injury and helps you to move around more easily.

Moral of the story: MOVE!

It’s more than good for you in so many ways and will help you live a longer, healthier life!

Contact an Excercise Specialist for a free 30-minute session

Benefits of Pinnacle's Medical Fitness Programs:

• Research-based, prescriptive exercise
• Long-term lifestyle changes
• Most effective way to improve current health and reduce the risk of future illness and decrease long-term pain
• Takes the guesswork out of making sustainable lifestyle modifications
• Addresses physical, emotional, and behavioral roadblocks