Exercise As Medicine?

Exercise As Medicine?

This week we are kicking off the blog! Let’s start with some reasons why you should exercise on a regular basis, especially now. 

1. Exercise helps increase hormone production leading to greater energy levels. 
2. Exercise helps increase bone density.
3. Exercise decreases the chance of metabolic disorders such as heart disease and diabetes. 
4. Exercise helps you improve body composition leading to greater confidence.
5. Exercise may help fight off COVID-19.    

Recent research from Dr. Zhen Yan from the University of Virginia School of Medicine shows that exercise can prevent or reduce the severity of acute respiratory distress, a syndrome that can occur during COVID-19. 

Dr. Zhen explains, that during exercises a powerful antioxidant called extracellular superoxide dismutase is released which helps fight off free radicals, preserves tissues and can help present disease. 

It was widely assumed that your physical health was linked closely to your chances of developing a bad case of COVID-19. When you look at physical health, it is generally something that is accumulated over a period of time. One workout doesn’t make you healthy, eating one healthy meal will not give you results you desire, but, one workout will increase the release of antioxidants that make you healthier and fight off disease.

This new knowledge gives us a way to fight COVID-19 on our own terms but, knowledge is only one piece of the puzzle. Let’s recap on a few things that can help us use exercise as medicine, as we know it’s not as easy as understanding that we should be exercising. 

1. Set a schedule. Be specific to the date, time, place, and type of exercise you are performing. 

2. Make sure you understand your goal you are working to achieve.

3. Use external motivators such as a workout buddy, getting your family involved, awesome music, turning on a show you like, or hire a trainer to educate, teach you proper techniques, and to keep you motivated while at the gym or from the comfort of your own home via Zoom.

Just get started. Aim for a minimum of 10 minutes of movement a day. Not every workout has to floor you. In relevance of Dr. Zhen’s finds, this piece becomes more important.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Our Digital Fitness app is the perfect tool for any fitness level. We add new workouts daily that can be used in your home or in the UAPC. Get your first month for only $1. Get activated here!