The Importance of Exercise

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Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Exercise as a Pillar of Health

• Modern Research on Exercise

• The Impact of Modern Lifestyle

• Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

• The Role of Parents and Society

• The Science Behind Exercise

• Benefits of Exercise

• Conclusion

• FAQs

Introduction

"Exercise of your muscle system has an effect on your whole body. It stimulates your heart and circulation, improves the capacity of your lungs, awakens your mental powers. It is the basis of your physical fitness and wellbeing."
Thus expresses Dr. Henriksen, director of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Battle Creek Health Center. An elderly inmate of the center says, “when I came here, I could not walk without a cane, and even then I could hardly navigate, because I was so crippled with arthritis. Look at me now.” He said, as he sauntered in the hall.

Exercise as a Pillar of Health

The Necessity of Exercise

Exercise is the most important of the four pillars of nature care. Errors in other items necessary for health can be compensated to a great extent by exercise, but any neglect in the matter of proper exercise of the muscles and the ligaments of the joints is visited by stern penalties from providence. Man has been gifted with a wonderful machine for work.

Modern Research on Exercise

The value of exercise as a factor in protecting and maintaining health and prolonging life is stressed by modern research. Prof. V.N. Nikitin, the eminent Russian physiologist, recommends three rules to retard the aging process:
• Work hard: An absorbing occupation stimulates the nervous system, which generates cells, but this work must be mentally stimulating.

• Take plenty of exercise: Walking is particularly beneficial.

• Eat what you like: Set aside at least one day a month for a strict diet.
Nikitin stressed the importance of a regular diet, which he said, had prolonged the lives of rats for several years.

The Impact of Modern Lifestyle

The seventy-year-old heart specialist Dr. Paul Dudley White believes that the incidence of heart disease is proportionate to the number of automobiles and refrigerators. These conveniences have made people lazy and encouraged overeating.

Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

Simple Rules for Health

By observing very simple rules of regularity in exercise, judicious care in matters of food and drink, and attention to cleanliness, a healthy and happy life can be assured. These include:
• Outdoor activities: Seek outdoor occupations and recreation.

• Ventilation: Ensure rooms are well ventilated.

• Sleep: Preferably outdoors and breathe deeply.

• Diet: Avoid overeating and eat sparingly of meats and highly spiced foods.

• Bowel Movement: Ensure daily evacuation.

• Posture: Stand, sit, and walk erect.

• Dental Hygiene: Keep the teeth, gums, and tongue clean.

• Rest: Avoid overwork and get sufficient sleep.

• Mental Peace: Avoid anger and worry, and keep serene.

The Role of Parents and Society

The example set by parents and doctors is often emulated by children, especially teenagers. Laziness, overeating, and smoking contribute to heart disease. Dr. White wishes the modern age did not have so many machines that people misuse, leading to health issues.

The Science Behind Exercise

Physical Benefits

Energy to cells and muscles is supplied by blood, which is kept clean by exercise. The human body has over 600 muscles, more than forty percent of its weight. Muscles need activity to develop. Left unemployed, they shrink and lose the capacity for action.

Muscle Control and Function

Muscles work in pairs. One muscle contracts to pull a bone forward; the other pulls it back. These movements are controlled by the brain. In sleep, involuntary muscles carry on vital functions like breathing, blood circulation, and digestion efficiently.

Vital Functions During Sleep

In certain abnormal cases like somnambulism, even the voluntary muscles display amazing coordination and efficiency. The classic case is that of a German lady who drove fourteen miles in deep sleep.

Benefits of Exercise

The benefits of exercise of muscles may be summed up:
• Strengthened muscles and greater efficiency.

• Improved blood circulation due to the leg muscles' milking action on veins.

• Stimulated breathing, elimination of toxic matters, and better oxygen assimilation.

• General inner house cleaning.

• Induced need for rest and peaceful sleep.

• Mental activity stimulation complementary to physical exercise.

Conclusion

• In summary The best foundation for overall health and wellness is exercise.

• Along with greatly enhancing blood circulation, which guarantees effective oxygen and nutrition delivery throughout the body, it also tones muscles.

• Toxin elimination is aided by this enhanced circulation, which is essential for preserving general health.

• Because exercise promotes brain function, improving mental alertness and slowing down the aging process, the mental advantages are equally significant. Modern technology's comforts, such cars and refrigerators, have unintentionally led to sedentary lives and unhealthy eating patterns in today's globe.

• Dr. Paul Dudley White emphasizes how crucial it is to have an active lifestyle in order to address these contemporary health issues.

• Exercise is a powerful treatment when paired with temperance and attentive diet. Experts in health promote a comprehensive strategy for well-being that include regular exercise, time spent outside, enough ventilation, a balanced diet, and mental peace.

• Consistently engaging in physical and mental activity is crucial, as shown by the lifespan and vigor of centenarians who lead disciplined lives. The complexity of muscle regulation and function highlights the need for exercise to sustain muscle function and total body health.

• Exercise is essentially a necessary prescription for living a long, healthy, and meaningful life, with wide-ranging advantages that go beyond physical health to include mental and emotional welfare.

FAQs

Q: Why is exercise considered the most important pillar of nature care?

A: Exercise is crucial because it compensates for errors in other health areas and prevents penalties from neglecting muscle and joint care.

Q: What are Prof. V.N. Nikitin's three rules to retard aging?

A: • Work hard at an absorbing occupation.

• Take plenty of exercise, especially walking.

• Eat what you like but have one strict diet day a month.

Q: How does modern lifestyle impact heart health according to Dr. Paul Dudley White?

A: Automobiles and refrigerators contribute to laziness and overeating, which increase heart disease incidence.

Q: What are some simple rules for maintaining health?

A: Seek outdoor activities, ensure good ventilation, avoid overeating, maintain dental hygiene, and avoid overwork and negative emotions.

Q: How does exercise benefit the body?

A: Exercise strengthens muscles, improves blood circulation, stimulates breathing, aids in internal cleaning, induces restful sleep, and stimulates mental activity.

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