Fitness Philosophy

Research is showing that the benefits of regular exercise, along with healthy diet choices, are creating positive results in the prevention of specific diseases.

According to the American Heart Association, about 62 million Americans live with cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. Artery-clogging cholesterol is the most widely publicized culprit in the risk of cardiovascular disease. The contributing factors to this are poor eating habits, excessive weight, and lack of physical activity.

Diabetes is rampant. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 17 million people in the United States have diabetes. In addition to family history, the biggest risk factor is being overweight. This has become more prevalent due to an increase in eating nutrient poor foods and a sedentary lifestyle.

About 10 million people (80% of them are women) are estimated to have osteoporosis. It is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Diets low in mineral rich vegetables and protein has a great impact on the health of our bones. In addition, a lack of weight bearing activity can affect the health and density of the bones.

These are just a few examples of the results of poor habits. So what do we do about it? In addition to food choices and lifestyle.

Exercise, exercise, exercise! Daily activity will keep you healthy. It increases energy expenditure, which indirectly increases metabolism. Physically active people have less body fat. Over the long haul regular exercise will increase lean muscle tissue, which will keep that metabolic rate higher on a regular basis. It helps control appetite as it has released stored fuels such as fat. It helps reduce stress. High stress can lead to high levels of cortisol, which will lead to additional stored fat. It improves blood pressure levels, insulin resistance and cardiovascular fitness. It brings oxygen to the brain so thinking is clearer. It enhances circulation thus bringing more nutrients to all the tissues in the body and aiding in the elimination of the waste products produced.

Both aerobic and weight-bearing exercise is important. A minimum of 30 minutes a day of getting your heart rate up is recommended. This could be in the form of a brisk walk, run, bicycle ride, dancing or whatever is enjoyable enough to do daily. Weight bearing exercise should be done at least three times per week. This will increase bone density thus aiding in the prevention of osteoporosis.