» Exercise

Dear Patients and Friends,

People who exercise regularly can attest to the fact that they feel much healthier and happier because of the effects of exercise. For those that are not exercising regularly, just getting started is the most challenging part.

Walking has become a popular form of exercise because it's easy to do. It is the least difficult type of exercise for most people, which make it a good place to start. It's very important not to start with activity levels that are too strenuous for your level of conditioning. Many people become injured due to beginning an improper exercise program.

The objectives of exercise include: strength, flexibility, aerobic conditioning (heart/lungs/circulation), coordination and endurance. Different types of exercise have various effects on the above goals. Lifting weights, for example, gives one strength and stretching gives flexibility. Swimming, running or biking makes one breath hard (aerobic) and helps the circulation. Full body movements like golf and swimming help to maintain coordination, which is often overlooked as a goal for exercise. Maintaining the physical stress of exercise for long periods builds endurance.

Most people begin exercising to lose weight. The best exercise to help one lose weight is regular aerobic activity. Exercise raises one's level of metabolism (body's energy). Regular exercise helps to change the body's "set point" which usually results in gradual weight loss.

Talk to your chiropractor about the appropriate exercise program for you. Your chiropractor is well qualified to set up a balanced routine which takes into consideration your spinal health and your overall wants and needs. Remember, the only exercise program you're likely to follow is one that you enjoy.

Yours in health,
Darron A. Erdman, D.C.