BioQuakes

AP Biology class blog for discussing current research in Biology

Is Exercise really that important?

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Yes, exercise can have a ton of benefits not only for your heart, but for your overall health. First of all, cardiovascular disease (CVD-or heart disease) accounted for approximately 30% of worldwide deaths in 2008. Coronary heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death. Why such terrible statistics? Well, let’s just say some people don’t take care of their bodies as well as they should be.

Obesity rates are sky high in people, mostly in the United States. It can drastically increase the risk of certain diseases like heart disease and diabetes (type II). Sometimes obesity and heart disease is beyond peoples’ control, either being born with a very slow metabolism or diabetes. However in most cases, heart illness can be prevented. The best way to fend off heart disease would be to exercise. In combination with a healthy diet, exercise is essential to a healthy heart. The essential benefactors of exercise are that it lowers ones blood pressure and lowers ones resting heartbeat. Your heart isn’t working so hard to pump at higher pressures, but it is being conditioned as the muscle it is to pump faster at certain points. Since you are exerting energy, you burn calories and lower your cholesterol levels (cholesterol levels in bulk could lead to clogged arteries). Of course there’s still more to exercise. Exercise leads to the release of natural endorphins, which create a sense of euphoria. Some people describe this state as a “natural high”. The release of endorphins could be considered positive reinforcement to exercise since it makes people literally feel good physically and mentally. In turn people would keep coming back to exercise to feel great and be in shape. This is overall highly effective for helping people to burn more calories (which would mean burning fat and stopping obesity from occurring within themselves). If one does not participate in exercise, they are much more likely to feel worse and overall have a higher risk of heart disease. According to the CDC, over 9 million cases of cardiovascular disease were due to lack of exercise. So why not exercise? Protect your health and well being. Even for a little bit every day, exercising is a helpful tool for better health and better morale.

Do you exercise on a regular basis?

 

Helpful link: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/exercise-healthy-heart

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3 Comments

  1. mitokahndria

    love the article! I love exercise and I try to do at least 40 minutes of cardio a day. It always makes me feel good! Just as it states in this article – http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389 – I always notice that after a workout, I have a more positive attitude and more energy.

    Are there studies that show whether a certain cardio activity is better in achieving different health goals? For example, what is the best exercise for weight loss or fighting off heart disease? Do doctors typically recommend specific activities?

    I think it is important for everyone to find out what form of exercise works for them. Also, combining a solid workout routine with a balanced diet is very important to. This is a great article that can help guide people with achieving their fitness goals! http://www.aworkoutroutine.com/diet-plan/

  2. camouflage

    This post only encouraged me to exercise even more. I really had not thought about the idea that exercise can boost one’s morale and spirit- it’s such a positive cycle! According to Harvard Medical School, in the article http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Exercise-and-Depression-report-excerpt.htm, exercise actually can help treat mild to moderate depression. And sometimes have a supporting role in severe depression. Based on your post, this makes sense, because it gives people endorphins and then positive reinforcement. The article even said that the effects of exercise last longer than some antidepressants. Great job on this post!

  3. gergory

    Nice article, Lord of Blood Cells! I really enjoyed reading about the benefits of working out and it really made me want to go on a run rather than commenting on this article (lol)! I was really interested in the statistic that said that over 9 million cases of cardiovascular disease were as a result of too little exercise. Also, I am really interested in the “natural high” that exercising creates. I read this article, http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/107/1/e2.full, and learned some really cool facts about exercise. I read that a lack of exercise not only creates cardiovascular problems, but also non-cardiovascular ones! It really is so important to health to get adequate exercise on a regular basis.

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