 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why Exercise? The reason we exercise is not just to burn those 100-plus calories for every mile we walk. Exercise does much more--it helps to increase our metabolic rate so we burn calories faster, Also, studies show that for a few hours following exercise, we continue to burn calories at a faster rate. Exercise helps to prevent the body from moving towards the starvation or hibernation response. Many persons who go on a low-calorie diet cause their metabolism to be lowered and their body starts to conserve energy. Exercise will resist the body's attempt to move into this condition. Those who exercise usually gain muscle mass instead of losing it. Up to 20 percent of the weight lost by those who diet without exercise can be lean tissue. Those who increase exercise and while cutting calories usually gain a few pounds of lean tissue as they lose body fat. Lean tissue is needed to help metabolize fat. Those who diet without exercise lose lean tissue and therefore have less muscle tissue to metabolize fat. Regular exercise has a positive effect on body chemistry. Studies show that muscle tissue from trained athletes contains more fat-burning enzymes than muscle from untrained individuals. Untrained subjects who participate in endurance-type exercise for several months develop an increased amount of fat-burning enzymes. Depression and Exercise effects: Recent research shows the value of exercise in moderating depression. Blumenthal studied the effects of exercise training on older patients with major depressive disorders. The conclusion from this study indicated that, although antidepressants may facilitate a more rapid initial therapeutic response than exercise, after 16 weeks of treatment; exercise was equally effective in reducing depression in patients suffering major depressive disorder. People have reported that, when they exercise, can think more clearly, feel happy, feel better about themselves, lose weight, develop strength, and enjoy a sense of well-being. Exercise increased positive mood they sleep better have less nervousness and anxiety, Exercise decreased negative mood Exercise improved vigor Exercise is effective in reducing stress, anger, fatigue Many evidence proved that exercise plays a vital role in uplifting depression Exercise improved the motivation and self-esteem in the person Many people even report that they look and feel younger when they exercise regularly. Exercise may help in increasing the feelings of coherence Exercise increased the feelings of social integration An exercise and depression study in which participants walked daily for even weeks found that the decrease in depressive mood and the improvement in vigor continued after five months. Another exercise and depression study which compared exercise alone, medication alone, and exercise plus medication found lasting improvements after six months in participants who had exercised without medication. When the participants continued to exercise the on going improvement was even greater. This study concluded that medication may produce quicker relief but exercise yields more long term benefit.
|
