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Benefits of Physical Activity 'Irrefutable', Review Finds
CBC News
Everyone benefits from even moderate physical activity - and it matters
little when you start or how much exercise you do, a new review
suggests.
But the earlier you start exercising and the more you do, the greater
the benefit, said Darren Warburton, a professor of human kinetics at
the University of British Columbia. Modest improvements in physical
fitness in previously sedentary people is linked to large improvements
in health.
"We see marked improvement in health profiles or health benefits in
individuals who were previously sedentary who engage upon a physically
active lifestyle," Warburton said.
Warburton and his colleagues waded through thousands of studies on the benefits of exercise and the risks of inactivity.
The review, in Tuesday's issue of the Canadian Medical Association
Journal, concludes "there is irrefutable evidence of the effectiveness
of regular physical activity."
Benefits include a lower risk of chronic conditions such as:
* Cardiovascular disease (physical activity).
* Type 2 diabetes (aerobic and resistance exercises).
* Osteoporosis (weight-bearing exercise, especially resistance training).
* Breast and colon cancers (physical activity).
Fitness philosophy The key is to keep active all the time, said Christine Babiak, a Pilates instructor in Vancouver.
Babiak teaches women who want to live longer and stay independent,
compared to those who exercise to achieve toned tummies and firm
buttocks.
"Fitness has to be done 24/7... it is something we have to work at,"
said Babiak. "We have to change our philosophy about thinking fitness
can be done at any time."
For Jenny Evans, it means taking the stairs instead of the elevator and walking up the escalator instead of just riding it.
"It's easy once you get into the habit of it," said Evans. "It's
getting in the habit of it I think that is more difficult." Darren
Warburton, professor of human kinetics at the University of British
Columbia.
Since deciding to get fit five years ago, Lorna Harrison has lost 25
pounds. She could barely move an arm before, but it works fine now.
Harrison is also happier.
"When you exercise, I think you do feel good. It sort of gives you that kind of feeling that you're 10 years younger."
Physical activity is linked to reduced stress, anxiety and depression,
as well as weight loss, improved cholesterol and blood glucose levels,
and lower blood pressure, according to the study.
Despite the growing list of benefits of being active and greater
understanding of the risks of a sedentary lifestyle, the study notes
that 51 per cent of adults Canadian get no exercise - higher than all
other risk factors for cardiovascular disease that can be controlled.
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