165). In addition, cardiovascular health usually deteriorates with age, and so, exercise is even more important as individuals get older. Another author writes, "Aging people begin to experience an increase in systolic blood pressure and a reduction in over-all cardiac output at rest and during exercise. The valves of the heart may begin to deteriorate and heart muscles decrease in size, reducing the ability to pump large amounts of blood ("Exercise Helps Put off," 1993, p. 7). As the body ages, it changes, and a good exercise program can help keep these changes at a minimum and help people live longer, more productive lives.
Proof also exists that a good exercise regimen can also help stave off the symptoms of adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes. A major clinical trial indicated that adults who are at risk for this type of diabetes because of diet or genetic predisposition can lower the chances of their getting the disease by adding exercise to their lifestyle. The study chose a variety of participants and gave them random assignments, including physical exercise, and they reduced their risk of getting Type 2 diabetes by 58% ("Diet Exercise Delay Type," 2001, p. 10). The study states, "On average, this group maintained their physical activity at 30 minutes a day, usually with walking or other moderate-intensity exercise and lost 5% to 7% of their body weight ("Diet Exercise Delay Type," 2001, p. 10). Diet can also decrease the odds of getting this disease, and a combined lifestyle change of diet and exercise is the preferred method for avoiding the disease and/or managing it after diagnosis.
In fact, regular exercise is good for just about every...
It can help reduce weight, it promotes stronger muscles and bones, and it increases respiratory health and function. Health and exercise expert Dr. Biller continues, "Regular exercise maintains healthy muscles, bones, and joints, as well as reducing dangerous levels of body fat. Keeping active is a key to effective heart, lung, and digestive functioning. Moreover, it is essential for a strong immune system" (Biller, 2002, p. 5). Thus, a good exercise program is good for the entire body, and there is little to say against regular exercise. America could become a healthier nation if more Americans would simply shed their sedentary lifestyles and exercise for only a few minutes each day.
In conclusion, studies show that exercise is necessary to maintain a healthy and happier life for a longer period. Exercise slows down the effects of aging, and adds strength to the heart, muscles, bones, joints, respiratory and digestive systems. It can keep obesity at bay, and it simply makes people feel and look better, and feel better about themselves inside and out. There are many reasons to exercise, and few not to.
References
Biller, H.B. (2002). Creative fitness: Applying health psychology and exercise science to everyday life. Westport, CT: Auburn House.
Diet exercise delay Type 2 diabetes. (2001, September). FDA Consumer, 35, 10.
Exercise helps put off the inevitable. (1993, October). USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), 122, 7.
Glaros, N.M., & Janelle, C.M. (2001). Varying the mode of cardiovascular exercise to increase adherence. Journal of Sport…
