IS THERE AN IDEAL AGE FOR FITNESS?
Many studies have been conducted in old folks, but the changes in Neurogenesis and interconnection are just as dramatic as in young people. There seem to be more long lasting effects while the brains are still developing. For instance in children with ADHD, exercises may be a substitute or a supplement for drugs. In general until about 20 years of age, the frontal lobes are not completely developed and exercises may speed up the executive functions, math, logic, reading, etc. That knowledge from kids is making many educators to request more P.T in schools. The hope of educators is that kids can develop a love for sports early in life to avoid the fate that their grandparents are now facing due to physical inactivity. Current and early studies suggest that people that exercise, delay or suppress the development of Alzheimer Disease.
HOW MUCH, HOW OFTEN AND WHAT MODALITY OF EXERCISE IS APPROPRIATE?
Researchers don’t know the straight answer yet. So far the strength training, toning and weight lifting, have no effect on cognition. There is no consensus about how much is too much. Recent discoveries have shown long lasting effects that include: improved mood decreased anxiety, improved sleep pattern, reduced stress and elevated self-‘esteem. That is why some people call it “endorphin high”, that make you feel good during and right after the exercise session. It is kind of the “Prozac”, “Ritalin” effect.
DOES THE BRAIN CAN TELL HOW MUCH EXERCISE IS SUFFICIENT?
The motivation for exercises is still under genetic control. Recent studies indicate that the brain governs how much activity the body is ready for, just similar to how make people hungry to become overweight. The brain uses signals from the muscles as a guide. Therefore the brain of lazy people often encourages some inactivity. Indeed, some researchers are beginning to wonder if genes that make a person vulnerable to depression also make exercise less pleasant. Perhaps this may explain why is almost impossible to promote a healthy lifestyle, as information about the positive effects of exercises is not enough. People just hate exercises. Perhaps would be better to explain how the genes control our experience of exercise. Start knowing yourself first, before taking the decision to join a fancy gym, to invest in expensive equipment to obtain the benefit of exercise.
Remember that an aggressive, intense, vigorous program won’t give an instantaneous psychological improvement. More important is the ability to achieve a sustained exercise routine. The research indicates that one have to stick to a chosen program for atleast 2 months to see the best chances to feel better. Develop a habit that with time becomes enjoyable to continue.
CHANGING FROM FAT TO FIT
When we exercise, we don’t benefit our body muscles, but our heart muscles and our brain neurons do.
TYPE OF EXERCISES
- Aerobics
- Strength training
- Aerobics stimulates the CVS rushing blood to the ear, the brain and the rest of the body.
- Strength training can reduce and sometimes reverse some of the body decline of bone and muscle mass.
LIVE LONGER
According to a study done on 17000 middle age Harvard Graduates, found that those individuals who exercised on regular basis, reduced the risk of dying prematurely by 25%. Other studies on people older than 50, who exercised, lived between 1.3 to 3.7 years longer than the sedentary ones. The more vigorous the physical activity the longer the prolongation of life.
HEAL FASTER
Research at the Ohio State University found after dividing 35-70 years of age in 2 groups. Group one attended a supervised exercise program for weeks. The second group sedentary people as model. At the end of the first month, they produce wounds on the arms of both groups as volunteers, then monitored the speed of healing in both groups. The wounds of those who exercised healed about 25% faster
INCREASE SEXUAL FUNCTION
On average, by age 50, one third of Americans men, suffer some form of impotence. Newer drugs such as Viagra and Cialis help erectile dysfunction by increasing blood now to the penis , but studies have found the exercises are more long lasting beneficial in those who participated in frequent vigorous exercises were at least one third less likely to suffer erectile dysfunction.
HAVE FEWER HOT FLASHES
About 75% of women in the US experience hot flashes during menopause and 25% still get them even ten or more years afterward. 1 n the past the medical health providers eated this condition with hormone replacement, giving Estrogens and Progesterone. But starting in 2002, millions of women discontinue such hormone therapy due to many undesirable side effects. A study done in 1998 a Swedish researcher studied 800 women ages 55-56 and found that those who exercised at least 2 hours a week experienced less hot flashes. It has been postulated that one reason might be the release of Endorphins that may counter the hormonal imbalance that produce these menopausal symptoms.
BE PAIN FREE
Although exercises alone cannot eliminate all the aches and pains of getting older, it can reduce muscle, tendon, bone and joint pains. Researchers at Stanford University compared group of 60 plus of runners with a group of sedentary elders; they found that after adjusting for age, height, gender and health status, the runners experienced less musculoskeletal pains over 14 years.
SAVE MONEY
Chronic diseases cost the US, billions of dollars in health care and lost productivity every year. But a study by the Health Partner Research Foundation has found that people older than 50 that exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 times a week, actually saved an average of 2200 dollars a year in medical bills.
Braner Pain Clinics 