Why Would I Bother to Exercise?

Get energized, control weight, improve balance, strengthen muscles, soothe nerves, reduce pain and improve health are just a few of the reasons to add exercise into your regular routine.

Each session of exercise stimulates some form of change in every body system including reducing the negative effects of arthritis and protection from symptoms of other chronic diseases. The CDC recommends 150 minutes a week of moderate level exercise like brisk walking to benefit your health and help prevent disease. Dr. Zhen Yan, professor of medicine reports that his research shows exercise can prevent and even reverse the damage of Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease as well as arthritis. Exercise improves circulation and removes cellular waste; essentially “Exercise takes out the trash.” Exercise reduces levels of proteins in the blood that cause inflammation that result in painful swollen joints, improving function and reducing pain.

Exercise actually does produce more energy by increasing the cells that create energy at the individual cell level, improving circulation and empowering brain and muscle cells. So on those days when you feel so-o-o tired, walking, yoga, and water aerobics are gentle to moderate exercises that can boost your energy level.

Exercise improves balance by improving communication between joints and brain. Tai Chi‘s slow controlled movements promote “motor learning” improving smooth and precise motions. Strengthening core muscles helps improve balance.

Aerobic exercise (vigorous walking and water aerobics) strengthens the heart muscle and keeps the circulation flowing through healthier veins and arteries. Better circulation means better oxygen flow to cells in the brain, organs, and muscles. Stronger muscle cells help the heart to pump more powerfully and more efficiently. Keeping arteries and veins more elastic will prevent arterial stiffening and lower the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Weight-bearing exercise (walking and strength training) keeps joints healthy: In other words, the muscle acts as a natural brace. Strengthening core muscles helps support the back, reducing back pain. Stronger muscles absorb the normal jarring of weight-bearing exercise by nourishing and thickening the cartilage inside the joints.

Rhythmic exercises (line dancing and walking) soothe the nerves while producing natural hormones called endorphins that give a happy feeling which helps relieve depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

Prove it for yourself. Join one of the many exercise classes or use the equipment in the Oasis available here at Kirby Pines. It is worth the bother.

Get Ready to Walk with Ease

Walk with Ease Class is coming back. Register now for the class, we will limit the class size to 15. This is what the class can do for you: Improved balance, strength, and endurance. If you have been out of the exercise habit and desire to get back, and you can walk 10 minutes, or if you are looking for an enjoyable way to exercise, this class may be for you. Register with Lavada in the activities office or Mary in the Oasis. Our first class begins Tuesday, September 11 in the Arts & Crafts room, and runs for 9 weeks.