EXERCISE IN OUR LIFE

A great deal of evidence supports the hypothesis that people who exercise regularly benefit across a wide range of health related variables. They have a better sleep pattern. They catch fewer colds, take less sick and even live longer than people who don't exercise.

There is also a window of healthy exercise. People that pass the window of healthy exercise run down their immune systems and suffer more from infectious diseases. They feel run down and suffer from a multitude of miscellaneous musculoskeletal aches and pains.

The answer to how much exercise is very elusive. In terms of heart disease an hour of mild exercise each day is as beneficial as moderate to intense exercise. From the point of view of cardiovascular fitness three quarters of an hour at sufficient intensity to take the pulse rate over 130 beats a minute, is required at least three times a week. Weight loss requires an even more demanding regimen of exercise. Exercise of moderate intensity is required for three quarters of an hour six or seven times a week.

Once the competitive teens are over and adults embark upon their careers of employment and family commitment; exercise and recreation are two of the first casualties.

*54/131/5*

GENERAL HEALTH