The Importance of Physical Fitness

One of the simplest and most effective ways to bring down blood glucose levels, cut the risk of cardiovascular disease, and improve overall health and well-being is physical fitness and exercise.  Yet, in our increasingly sedentary world, where almost every essential task can be performed online, from the driver's seat, or with a phone call, exercising and being physically fit can be tough case to sell.

In reality, everyone should exercise, yet surveys show that only 30% of the United States adult population get the recommended thirty minutes of daily physical activity, and 25% are not active at all.  No wonder there's such a weight problem in the USA today.

Inactivity & Disease are Linked
In fact, inactivity is thought to be one of the key reasons for the increase of type 2 diabetes in America as inactivity - and obesity - promote insulin resistance along with other factors that can trigger many other kinds of diseases.

It's Never too Late to Start
The good news is that it is never too late to get moving, and exercise is one of the easiest ways to start controlling the onset of many diseases.  For people who are already candidates for some serious diseases like diabetes and heart failure, regular exercise and physical fitness will improve the overall condition of the body along with reducing insulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of heart disease, and promoting weight loss.

In 2003, the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism had published a paper regarding the result of their studies which found that lack of exercise and physical fitness were the key factors behind obesity and other serious diseases like diabetes.  Hence, it is extremely important for a person to stay healthy and be physically fit in order to avoid such illnesses.  We all know it's good for us - but actually getting off our behinds and doing something about it is a different story.  Nevertheless, the downside of not doing something can be catastrophic.

Just Do It...
Getting started is, without a doubt, the most difficult part in the entire process because, once you do get going and actually get into some sort of routine, it becomes easier and easier. I know, I've done it.  But, the first order of business with any exercise plan, especially if you are a "dyed-in-the-wool" couch potato, is to consult with your health care provider or family doctor.

If you have a history of cardiac factors, your doctor may want to perform a stress test to establish a safe level of exercise for you.  This is particularly important if you're over 40 or if you haven't exercised for a long time.  Certain complications of some diseases will also dictate what type of exercise program you can take on.  Activities like weightlifting, jogging, or high-impact aerobics can possibly pose a risk for people with diabetic retinopathy due to the risk for further blood vessel damage and possible "retinal detachment".  Health experts also contend that patients with sever peripheral neuropathy or PN, should avoid foot-intensive weight-bearing exercises such as long-distance walking, jogging, or step aerobics and opt instead for low-impact activities like swimming, biking, and rowing.

If you do have conditions that make exercise and physical fitness a challenge, your health advisor may refer you to an exercise physiologist who can design a fitness program for your specific needs.  However, if you are already active in sports or work out regularly, it will still benefit you to discuss your regular routine with your doctor - just to be on the safe side.  It's always better to be safe than sorry.

It Can Be Fun You Know
The bottom line is that physical fitness and exercise, while vitally important to our overall health and well being, should not have to be a rigid, inflexible activity nor should it have to be at the level of the super-athletes.  Pace yourself and start out slowly.  Try and make it as much fun as possible.  This can make a huge difference.

Your exercise routine can be as simple as a brisk nightly neighborhood walk, walking the dog, playing outside with the kids (if you have any), playing an organized team sport on a regular basis or simply taking the stairs at work (or at home) instead of the elevator every day.  Maybe do all of these things!  The important thing is that you keep on moving.  Every little bit can really help a lot more than you think.

In the end, you will come to realize that the many things that good food can bring you are equally the same as what physical fitness can do for you.  They really do go "hand-in-hand".