Exercise – The Number One Wonderdrug!

What if I told you there was a miracle drug that is free to everyone? You can take it whenever and however you choose and the more you take it, the healthier you will be? Interested??? The answer is exercise! The reality is that no single pill can help protect us against ill health and disease like exercise. Study after study clearly shows the sheer extent of how exercise reduces our risk, and protects us from both acute and chronic illnesses. Infact, Erik Richter, a diabetes researcher at the University of Copenhagen says ‘there is not a single organ in the body that is unaffected by it’.

Did you know that a 3-5 hour a week exercise habit can reduce the risk of:

HEART DISEASE BY 30%

Regular exercise helps keep arteries and other blood vessels flexible, ensuring good blood flow and normal blood pressure. Physically active people have lower blood pressure, higher insulin sensitivity, and a more favorable blood lipid profile (1).

CANCER BY 30%

Certain cancer risks are reduced by regular activity and importantly improves the quality of life for those living with cancer. (2)

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE BY 30%

Exercising regularly keeps cognitive skills such as thinking, reasoning and learning sharp. Recent studies have shown that exercise may improve memory and slow down mental decline and improves sleeplessness. (3)

DIABETES BY UP TO 58%

(4) Exercise helps your insulin work more efficiently and assist with your blood glucose control. In fact, weight loss resulting from physical activity enables muscle cells to use insulin and glucose more efficiently, lowering diabetes risk. 

DEPRESSION BY 30%

Exercise sparks natural endorphin levels (the feel good hormones) improving mental health by reducing anxiety, stress, depression, and negative moods.(5) Exercise can also provide fabulous opportunities for social interaction, reducing the feeling of isolation and improving self-esteem.

OSTEOPOROSIS BY 50%!

(6) Studies show that resistance type exercises such as free weights or weight machines are best for osteoporosis because it strengthens muscles, increases bone density and reduces the risk of fractures. Exercise will also improve joint mobility and can reduce pain.(7) 

So what type of exercise is best I hear you ask? Any movement is going to do you good. It will depend vastly on your age, ability, mobility, availability and of course interest. If going to the gym, pumping iron isn’t your thing, then don’t do it. Do what you enjoy. For some it might be walking the dog, taking a yoga class or gardening while for others it might be training for the next marathon. The point is, with so many benefits that boost your body, mind and spirit, make movement and exercise part of your daily routine. It’s time to get addicted to the best drug in the world!!!

If you’re ready to embark on a wellness journey and get back to the best YOU, click here, we would love to help!