IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE

Physical Exercise is any such bodily activity that uses the body in an organized way and thus helps to enhance or maintain fitness of body and overall health. It helps to regulate all functions of body and also benefits all body systems. Primarily, exercise is divided in to three main parts. These are Aerobic exercise, Anaerobic exercise and Stretching Exercise.

Types of Exercise

Aerobic Exercise is an exercise which uses large quantity of oxygen and is performed for longer duration of time. This exercise is especially beneficial for circulatory system and respiratory system. Few examples of aerobic exercise include brisk walking, jogging, long run, swimming and any such physical activity that continues for long time due to low-intensity.

Anaerobic Exercise is any exercise that could be continued from few seconds to few minutes. It is also known as strength training. This type of exercise uses very little amount of oxygen as compared to aerobic exercise. Anaerobic exercise is especially beneficial for muscular system and skeletal system. Few important anaerobic exercises include push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups, Olympic weightlifting and any such high-intensity and short-duration exercise. 

Stretching Exercise is used to increase the range of motion of muscles and joints. These exercises are very important before and after hard physical activity as it reduces the chances of injury.

Physical Exercise can also be divided into Dynamic and Static (or Isometric) types. Dynamic exercise like jogging lowers the diastolic (relaxing) blood pressure during exercise while static exercises like weight-lifting and plank raises the systolic (contracting) blood pressure during exercise.  

Benefits of Exercise

·         Aerobic Exercise especially is very beneficial for cardiovascular health. These exercises gushes the blood forward in the blood-vassals and thus helps to reduce diseases like stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol etc.

·          Anaerobic exercise increases the size and strength of skeletal muscles.

·         Both aerobic and anaerobic exercises are useful for heart. Aerobic exercises increase cardiac volume while anaerobic exercises increase myocardial thickness.

·         Apart from exercises like swimming and cycling, all other exercises either aerobic or anaerobic are beneficial for bones.

·         Studies have proved that vigorous exercises help to make better mood by increasing the release of endorphin. 

Precautionary Measures

Though, there is no doubt about the importance and benefits of exercise but few precautionary measures should be taken in order to prevent from any damage.

It should be noted that exercise, especially strength training, causes tearing of muscle fibers which in turn causes muscle fatigue. Proper rest and healthy diet should be given to body in order to prevent any injury and achieve benefits from exercise. Aerobic exercise for very long duration without proper rest and diet are also harmful as they can cause heart problems.

People of older age or with some disease should choose low-intensity exercise after consultation from a medical practitioner.