Kinesiology

Benefits of Regular Physical Activity

The American College of Sports Medicine reports that the benefits of regular physical activity are well established.  These benefits include the protection from chronic disease (decreases in both mortality and morbidity), improved health status, improved functional fitness, improved physical performance, and improved over-all well-being (Wellness).   These benefits are summarized as follows:

 1.  Improved Cardiorespiratory Function 
  a.  Increased ability to use oxygen, produce energy and to do work
  b.  Lowered heart rate and blood pressure at rest and during sub-max work
  c.  Increased amount of exercise that can be performed without fatigue
  d.  Increased exercise threshold for the onset of disease symptoms (angina)

 2.  Reduction in Heart Disease Risk Factors  
  a.  Reduced resting systolic and diastolic pressures
  b.  Increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
  c.  Reduced serum triglycerides
  d.  Reduced body fatness and total body weight
  e.  Reduced insulin needs and improved glucose tolerance

 3.  Described Mortality and Morbidity from Chronic Disease
  a.  Primary and Secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, hypertension,
       stroke and peripheral vascular disease
  b.  Primary prevention of some cancers (colon, breast, prostate, lung)
  c.  Primary prevention of obesity
  d.  Primary and secondary prevention of non-insulin dependent diabetes
  e.  Primary prevention of osteoporosis

 4.  Other Postulated Benefits
  a. Decreased anxiety and depression
  b. Improved ability to cope with life stress
  c. Enhanced feelings of well-being

Health-Fitness and Wellness Program is designed to help members achieve their health, fitness, performance and wellness goals.  Although each member will have individual goals, in general, these goals have selected components and a set of associated behaviors. It is important for each member to define their goals, to develop an understanding of the factors underlying each goal and to assume the behavior necessary for the accomplishment of the goal.  Helping members achieve Healthy Lifestyles is a goal of the Health-Fitness Program.