The Potential Benefits of Exercise - Essay Example

The Potential Benefits of Exercise Expository Essay Presented to The Faculty of the Department ___ ____ In Partial Fulfillment ofthe Requirements for the Degree Bachelor [Master] of Education by ______ ______ November 2008 Table of Contents Introduction 3 Conclusion 4 References 5 Introduction Exercise, in terms of physical fitness, is defined by the online Merriam Webster dictionary as ‘bodily exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical fitness’ (www.

merriam-webster.com). The human body has been bestowed by nature with the power of motility which we share with most representatives of the animal kingdom. But unlike animals, somewhere along the history and with the development of modern social and cultural structure, we have forgotten to use our limbs to their full potential by adopting sedentary lifestyles with maximum dependence on the modern marvels of technology. This has given rise to illnesses and diseases which were unheard of when man used to live in close contact with nature.

Massive urbanization all over the world has directed our lifestyles in such a way that we have become cogs in the wheel of a huge man-made monstrous entity. The fact is being increasingly recognized by the healthcare fraternity in all parts of the developed world and programs for physical fitness are being incorporated into our hectic work schedules to regain our lost vitality over the generations. Regular exercise is absolutely essential to maintain a fit, disease free body as by nature all our muscles have specific movements and functions to perform which diminish with disuse.

The hormonal and homeostatic mechanisms of the body are such that replenishment with fresh nutrients and disposal of metabolic waste products from the body’s internal environment take place ideally only if they are put to use as nature had intended them to be. The benefits of regular physical activity have been enumerated in a very precise manner by the mayo clinic website which states that exercise is essential for a healthier, better and long life (www.mayoclinic.com). It benefits one and all regardless of age, sex or physical ability by acting as a mood elevator because it triggers the endogenous release of endorphins which are hormones which impart a sense of well being.

It is the natural treatment for beating depression. Exercise enhances lung power, increases circulation of blood and mobilizes the natural hormones in the body which keep heart disease and osteoporosis at bay (www.mayoclinic.com). It strengthens both lungs and the heart and promotes a better sleeping pattern which acts as a rejuvenating factor for the body. As it keeps the blood circulation at the optimum level, people who exercise regularly have better sex lives as compared to those who lead sedentary lifestyles.

Exercise in the form of a competitive sports activity is both entertaining as well rejuvenating and increases the overall efficiency of an individual to handle his or her professional activity and daily chores in a better way. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, moderate to vigorous exercise, depending upon the physical disposition of an individual goes a long way in imparting good health and a disease free life. It can reduce the morbidity as well as mortality from many chronic diseases which the Americans are suffering from in the present era (aspe.hhs.gov).

Millions of Americans today suffer from coronary heart disease; diabetes associated with obesity, high blood pressure, cancer and hip fractures just because they don’t exercise either due to laziness or busy lifestyle which leaves little scope for physical activity. Modern lifestyle involves consumption of junk food and substance abuse in the form of tobacco, alcohol or drugs when the workload gets too unnerving stimulating people to seek solace in such misadventures. Physical exercise is the only panacea which can rid them of these dangerous obsessions.

Conclusion The advent of the computer age and the technology driven world has made man a slave to machines and he has forgotten that basically he possesses a flesh and blood body which has certain requirements to be fulfilled for optimum functioning. Exercise in the form of workplace physical activity and during weekends or a vacation is absolutely essential and should be incorporated in one’s daily schedule as well in order to lead a healthy life. Modern diseases which are a byproduct of sedentary lifestyle can be avoided if a person follows a disciplined exercise schedule.

References Exercise - Definition, available at: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Exercise Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity, Online article at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676 Physical Activity Fundamental To Preventing Disease, United States Department of Health & Human Services, Online article at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/physicalactivity/