Regular exercise has a beneficial effect on general health, helping to improve the physical and mental condition of individuals.
The need for exercise
“Physical activity is beneficial for the development of cognitive, motor and social skills, as well as good metabolic and musculoskeletal health. There is also an effect on improving academic performance,” said Stephen Whiting, an officer in the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) European Office for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and one of the authors of the Umbrella Review of Physical Activity and Academic Achievement.
So regular movement improves our state of being both physically and cognitively. So regular movement improves our state of being both physically and cognitively.
Genetically, historically or from whatever perspective we analyse the human being, we will come to the conclusion that we were built to move, to consume energy.
The last half century, dominated by technological and social transformations, has taught us to be increasingly more comfortable and less concerned with expending effort to fulfil even our most basic needs.
Who has not at least once said “I’m too tired to exercise today!”?
So far in human history, only two ways have been identified to motivate our fellow human beings to do something: the stick or the carrot. Fear of consequences or reward has moved us down the evolutionary path as a society.
Whether you’re thinking about the good you feel after running for an hour or the fear that sitting for long hours at your desk will affect your health, it’s good to get motivated to get moving.
Most of us have used and still use this ‘excuse’ for not exercising in a consistent and orderly way. Tiredness is the number one ‘excuse’ for physical inactivity, so there’s nothing to be ashamed of, but you’d do well to help reverse the statistics.
The irony is that we need energy to exercise. However, a major effect in lack of physical activity is low energy levels. Strange, isn’t it?
Even stranger is that lack of physical activity of any kind triggers a domino effect that knocks out the ability to concentrate, make smart decisions, manage mood, build resilience against stress and perform at peak capacity. Basically, lack of movement attacks the main pillars of maintaining optimal energy levels.
And if we need a nudge in the right direction, we can listen to what researchers have observed, which is that among the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease are a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and high cholesterol levels.
All these negative aspects are closely linked to the amount of exercise. Regular physical activity is very effective in maintaining a normal weight and has indirect positive effects on cholesterol levels.
We are not athletes
The beginning is always difficult, and especially the beginning after a long period of inactivity, which is why it is good to do everything gradually to ensure that in the days to come we will be able to continue our exercise programme.
A few simple gestures can be a welcome start to creating a habit of exercise. For example, walking short distances to the market or to school when we take our children, maybe even roller-blading or cycling to work, would be some good ideas.
If you still want to go for a drive, it wouldn’t hurt to park your car further away from your target address than usual, even if it’s raining outside, for example.
However, even within your own home you can find ways to exercise while watching TV. Maybe not when you’re watching a film on Netflix, but when you’re catching up on the latest news of the day, you can do some exercise.
Whenever you start exercising, you should remind yourself that you’re not a top athlete and therefore need to keep your exertion level under control.
And why not, it might be wise to help your body get through moments of physical overload with some food supplements.
External stress from physical overstrain contributes to increased ammonia production, which is why we feel tired, lack energy and have difficulty performing daily tasks.
Astenor Forte, a complex formula with a dual mechanism of action, detoxifies the liver cell of excess ammonia build-up while boosting the body’s energy charge.
Exercise smartly and combine a balanced exercise programme with adequate support for an active lifestyle.