The right combination of exercise and nutrition creates a hormonal environment contributing to fat loss and increased muscle strength leading to increased energy.  The latest research has found that exercise can increase your mental acuity (focus and concentration) which is challenged during exercise and reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease.  Exercise helps decrease your risk of heart attack by lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol; you may even eliminate your need for certain medications!  You can reduce your risk for bone deterioration or osteoporosis with weight bearing exercise and you can even reverse its effects by building more bone tissue.  Also, don't forget the benefit of weight loss by burning off those calories.

So what should a person do for exercise and exactly how much exercise do you need?  Exercise can be tailored to each individual and it is important to find something that you enjoy so you stick with it.  The guidelines for a general exercise program are 3-5 days a week for 20-60 minutes of cardio-respiratory exercise (walking, jogging, bicycle riding, cardio classes, swimming or anything that gets your heart pumping).  Resistance training (lifting weights) done 2-3 days a week can increase strength and tone your body.  Stretching to increase flexibility is also important and should be done 5-7 days a week.

Physical therapists are trained in individualizing exercise programs for people of all ages and with certain conditions like arthritis, heart or lung problems.  Please consult your doctor before starting an exercise routine.  Remember to have fun and you too can enjoy all of the benefits of exercise!

Yours in health,

Kelsey