04 Apr Exercise Can Be the Best Prescription
During the years 460 to 377 BC the prominent physician Hippocrates strongly recommended physical activity and proper nutrition for good health. Fast forward more than 2000 years to the 1990’s when the medical profession formally recognized that physical activity is vital to the body’s health.
In 1992 the American Heart Association explained that a lack of physical activity is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, which placed it alongside smoking, abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and hypertension. In 1995, both the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine announced the importance of physical activity as a public health initiative. They published a consensus statement by a panel of the National Institute of Health advocating physical activity as important for cardiovascular health. Then, in 1996 the surgeon general of the United States released a written report on the health benefits of physical activity.
People too often think lifting weights until their muscles fail or jogging five miles a day is proper exercise. This myth was the focus of the CDCP/ACSM Report published in 1995 which showed that significant health benefits are attainable with moderate amounts of physical activity, such as a 30 minute brisk walk, 15 minutes of running, or 45 minutes of playing a sport such as volleyball. This does not have to occur every day of the week, just two to three days.
Not everyone should jump into a new fitness regimen. It may be necessary to get clearance from your doctor. This is recommended for people with outstanding medical conditions such as heart issues or a family history of heart conditions, pregnant women, or people with other serious medical conditions.
Once you are cleared for physical activity you should meet with a fitness professional such as a certified trainer. Trainers can help you discover the proper modes of training to begin. They can help prevent plateaus in your training as well as aid in injury prevention. A good trainer will explain how long your workouts should be, the right intensity for your workouts, as well as how often you should be exercising to start. It is also important to communicate openly and honestly with your trainer so you can reach your health and fitness goals in a healthy and safe manner.
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