Why Exercise is Better Than Drugs

Exercise is a key to weight loss, in spite of what many people think about dietary changes. Everything should be taken in consideration of a bigger whole, not just piecemeal. Exercise can have many health benefits but it starts with a healthy lifestyle.

Diseases

Researchers have found when looking at the effects of exercise on pain and functionality that people who move and exercise are more likely to feel better than those who don’t. Not only this, it helps improve outcomes for osteoarthritis and other activities that require strong muscles and bones. Back pain can be supported through proper exercise as well.

Heart Attacks

People who exercise following a heart attack may have the ability to reduce mortality rates and increase life spans. Exercise has been shown to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension and improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes who exercise can lower blood sugar levels to reduce risk of complications. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may walk further and function better with exercise.

Get Moving

Many people will be surprised to learn how little movement is needed to achieve results. It helps to identify the right types of exercise for an individual rather than just jumping into something. It can be hard to just jump in without previous experience working out, especially with underlying health conditions. The recommendations for exercise include about 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity for adults or about 30 minutes per day. Moderate intensity is probably much less than a person thinks. Walking briskly at 3 to 4 miles per hour is enough to fit the bill. Biking slower than 10 miles per hour is also healthy for a period of time and anything that gets the heart rate up between 110-140 beats per minute is enough. Vacuuming, mowing the lawn or walking the dog also qualifies.

It may feel difficult to get started but it takes time to adapt a person’s mind and body to new regimens and routines. Building up slowly is the key to finding ways of creating exercise plans that work for each individual’s circumstances. When thinking of exercise, it helps to talk to a treating physician first and then progress slowly into a fitness regimen that will help build strong muscle and bone over time to achieve desired results.

The Villa provides help for individuals who want to get away from drugs to something healthier. Call us to learn some tips and strategies we can use to help you move from addiction and dependence to freedom and independence of drugs or alcohol.

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