Why is Exercise the Cornerstone of Every Treatment?
Why is Exercise the Cornerstone of Every Treatment?
You might have noticed that when you come in for a session at Polaris, inevitably you spend most of your hour exercising. In many cases, you even break a sweat! With all the tools we have at our disposal, why do we choose to anchor our treatment to exercise?
In today's fast-paced world, it can be easy to overlook the importance of regular exercise. With busy schedules and endless distractions, many people find it challenging to make time for physical activity. However, research has consistently shown that exercise is vital for overall health and well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the various benefits of exercise and why it is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
Firstly, exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight. When we engage in physical activity, we burn calories, which helps to reduce body fat and prevent obesity. Obesity is a significant risk factor for numerous health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Regular exercise helps to keep our weight in check and reduces the likelihood of developing these chronic diseases.
Secondly, exercise helps to improve cardiovascular health. When we exercise, our heart rate increases, and our blood vessels dilate, allowing blood to flow more freely throughout the body. This improves our heart and lung function, which reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, regular exercise helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, further reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Thirdly, exercise has a positive impact on mental health. When we exercise, our body releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. These endorphins help to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting feelings of happiness and well-being. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of depression, improve sleep quality, and enhance cognitive function.
Fourthly, exercise helps to strengthen muscles and bones. As we age, our muscle mass and bone density naturally decline, increasing the risk of fractures and falls. Regular exercise, particularly weight-bearing exercises such as running, weightlifting, and resistance training, helps to maintain and improve muscle and bone strength, reducing the risk of injury.
Fifthly, exercise improves overall quality of life. Regular exercise improves our physical health, mental health, and well-being, allowing us to live life to the fullest. It improves our energy levels, reduces fatigue, and increases our ability to perform daily tasks. Additionally, exercise provides a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-confidence, improving our overall quality of life.
Despite the numerous benefits of exercise, many people still struggle to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine. However, there are many ways to make exercise more accessible and enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Start small: Begin with short, manageable workouts and gradually increase the duration and intensity over time.
Find an activity you enjoy: Whether it's running, cycling, swimming, or dancing, find an activity that you find fun and enjoyable.
Set realistic goals: Set achievable goals and track your progress to stay motivated and on track.
Make it a habit: Incorporate exercise into your daily routine by scheduling it into your calendar or finding a workout buddy to hold you accountable.
Take breaks: Don't be afraid to take breaks or rest days when needed. It's essential to listen to your body and avoid overexertion.
More than perhaps any other form of medicine, it’s abundantly clear to us at Polaris that exercise is truly the closest thing we have to a “magic pill”. Exercise is effective for everyone. When dosed properly it has no negative side effects and that dosage can be adjusted to support nearly any outcome you desire. Want to improve your mood? Exercise. Afraid of losing your independence as you age? Exercise. Acute low back pain? Exercise. Chronic low back pain? Again, exercise just with a different dose. The only downside is that exercise takes effort. But, perhaps cultivating the discipline required to exercise regularly is actually another benefit in and of itself!
In conclusion, exercise is vital for overall health and well-being. It has numerous benefits, including maintaining a healthy weight, improving cardiovascular health, enhancing mental health, strengthening muscles and bones, and improving overall quality of life. With the many benefits of exercise, we at Polaris feel it’s the obvious choice as the foundation for everything we do. By starting small, finding an activity we enjoy, setting realistic goals, making it a habit, and taking breaks when needed, we can enjoy the numerous benefits of regular exercise and live a healthy, fulfilling life.