The Benefits of a Regular Exercise Program
92As I sit here watching the 20 minute, sudden-death overtime period in the World Junior Hockey League Gold Medal game between the Canadians and the U.S., I am struck by how incredibly fit these amazing young men all are. Watching them zoom across the ice a breakneck speed, I am humbled and awed by their stamina and sheer force of athleticism. The benefits of regular exercise are clear in their ability to chase that little rubber puck about with nary a sign of flagging.
Most of us would be gasping for breath after only a few minutes of the chase. New Year's resolutions aside, we would do well to put in at least some little effort into improving our general level of fitness. At this time of year though, especially after so many of us have made a commitment to our physical well-being, perhaps we need to focus on what we could hope to reap in terms of our reward for such diligence.
So what exactly would be the benefits of regular exercise? To be sure, you will lose weight and "get in shape". That is, after all, the goal of any weight loss plan, or of any regimen devoted to weight loss and fitness, but what exactly does that mean?
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Well, for one thing, you would be at least as fit as that 60 year old Swedish man.
You remember him, surely. Sometime in the late 1960s, North Americans were blasted out of their complacency by a study that pointed out that, on average, we rated lower on any scale of fitness measurement then available, than the average 60 year old Swede.
For another, we might stand a chance of keeping up with our children - at least until they learn how to walk. Yes, that was another government-funded study in which the researchers studied the amount of energy expended by a crawling baby.
They posited that if we mimicked our children's movements, and spent as much as one day crawling around after them, we would be in much better shape.
At one point, Health Canada poured funding into an advertising campaign dubbed "Participaction". Complete with catchy slogans and an even catchier tune, the air waves were soon flooded with images of happy folk chasing about with their kids, taking part in all manner of outdoor activities.
Cost: lots of tax-payers' money...
Benefit: a nation of happy, healthy hockey players?
Not so, though I think a few more of us can now give that Swede run for his money.
Net learning: you just can't legislate fitness.
You can pour a ton of money into any number of "get fit" schemes, but in the end you will find that, like the proverbial horse who won't drink from the trough, you can lead the nation to the gym, but you can't make them buy a membership.
Nice definition, buddy!
The well-defined musculature above, otherwise known as eye candy, brings to mind another benefit of a regular fitness routine. No bully on the beach will ever kick sand in your face, and your date sure won't confuse you with the 98 lb. weakling from the ads for Joe Weider Body Building classes that were touted in the back of the Ladies' Home Journal magazine.
I'm sure those artistically rendered ads sent more than one scrawny young lad to the gym. Mind you, there didn't seem to be all that many handsome, self-centered chaps with rippling muscles at the beaches where my family spent their summer days. I also don't recall any captains from the high school football team, ill tempered or otherwise.
Our beaches tended to be populated with clutches of sand castle-building pre-teens, harried young mothers trying to keep an eye on all their kids at once, and dads with farmer tans reclining under beach umbrellas or waist-deep in the water teaching their kids to swim.
Farmer tans, for the uninitiated, refer to the tanned forearms, necks, and faces of men who habitually worked in the sun with their shirts and hats on. If the man in question had naturally fair skin, like my dad, the contrast between the white body and the tanned areas could be striking, to say the least. Some were so white, they almost appeared to be wearing a very tight white T-shirt - at least until they acquired their first sunburn of the season.
Now, that's a six-pack
Another benefit of a regular exercise regimen would the reshaping of your body.
Thanks to a rash of beach movies in the 1960s, every red-blooded teenager worth her salt was out to fit into a teeny weeny two-piece - with or without yellow polka dots.
From Frankie and Annette, to Elvis, all the stars were surf board bound in a decade's worth of sand 'n' surf musicals. It seemed as if every teen in the world was headed for Fort Lauderdale, Hawaii, or the California sun.
The Beach Boys, pop duo Jan and Dean, and countless others warbled the joys of life on the beach, and penned odes to the surfer girls who inhabited that golden mecca.
We all strove to achieve that perfect figure, that Barbie-doll-inspired standard of 36-22-36, so we, too, could look fabulous in the wild bikini that every girl worthy of the name "teenager" was so anxious to stuff herself into.
Dance Workouts
I am fortunate enough to have access to a tread climber. Now, that is one impressive machine. Having used a treadmill, I can definitely vouch for the tread climber as a far superior product.
An ordinary treadmill can be very hard on joints, particularly the knees. Having sprained both ankles and dislocated both my knees - all at different times, thank goodness - I have sustained some permanent damage to the weakened joints over the years. I find a regular treadmill tends to jerk sometimes, applying major stress to knees and ankles.
The tread climber, on the other hand, is both aerobic and low impact. The treads rise and fall with your steps, so your feet barely leave the treads, and the smooth motion is maintained throughout the entire workout.
As great as the tread climber is at burning calories though, my favorite form of workout is my new belly dance video. Some of the most popular forms of exercise have always been dance workouts. They have the advantage of being both effective and entertaining. The styles of dance vary with the times, and the most popular current trends are workouts based on spicy-hot Latin music, or on the gentle art of Belly Dance.
Beats a treadmill any day!
- Hip Hop Dance Moves, Routines, Lessons, Choreography, Hip Hop Music
Learn how to hip hop dance, new hip hop dancing steps, hot dance routines, wicked choreography, cool hip hop dance moves, cheerleading dances, break dancing, fitness workout videos - BollYRobics ~ Chaiyya Chaiyya - Dance Workout
Bollyrobics Dance workout to the song Chaiyya Chaiyya - English
- Yoga Core Strength Exercises from hubber Katrina Ariel
Can yoga connect you with your core strength physically as well as mentally and emotionally? Absolutely! And Ill give you some great ways to connect to your core here. Having a strong body is essential... - CORE RHYTHMS Latin Dance Fitness, Weight Loss and Diet Products
CORE RHYTHMS dance fitness, weight loss, diet, exercise and nutrition programs and DVD's created by World Champion Ballroom Dancer's Jaana Kunitz and Julia Powers. Lose weight while having fun and dancing to sexy latin music.
© Elle Fredine, 2010, all rights reserved
- The Benefits of a Regular Exercise Program
New Year's resolutions aside, we would do well to put in at least some little effort into improving our general level of fitness. At this time of year though, especially after so many of us have made a commitment to our physical well-being, perhaps we need to focus on what we could hope to reap in terms of our reward for such diligence. - 2 years ago
- Family Fitness with Wii - Review of Wii Fit, EA Sports Active
A look at the different Wii Fitness and exercise programs that families can enjoy together. - 2 years ago
- Stretch Class; The Key to a Successful Exercise Program
What's the key to a successful exercise program? Take a Stretch Class!Whenever I let a few weeks go by without exercising, I’ve learned that it’s smart to get back into it slowly by taking a stretch class. - 2 years ago
Terrific, exercise with music is the thing. I do believe dancing is the best exercise, and the happiest.
Good hub from our good Elf. Thank you.
Really informative hub. I need to get back to exercising on a regular basis. Maybe that'll be one of my New Year's resolutions.
Nice article. As someone who makes his living in the fitness industry I appreciate the promotion. ;-) And the video's rock! Particularly that belly dancer! How does she DO that?
Cheers,
-Coach Albert
Thanks so much, hypnodude! The benefits are certainly worth the work, I believe.
Paradise7, I love my belly dance workout DVD, but I must admit I like the salsa music better.
alekhouse - greetings and Twelfth Night blessings upon your head! (to mix a few cultural metaphores, there) Good luck with that!
Hey, Coach! Thanks so much - I love the video's and please don't ask me how she does it...I ahve no idea yet - I am only on the basic maneuvers ;)
I love walking and swimming. Thank you for your interesting hub. I always some excises and thenget bored and drop it.
LOL redelf I love your analogy "you can lead the nation to the gym, but you can't make them get buy a membership".
I also took a year of belly dancing but I could never to "that" :) Here's to good old fashioned commitment and to knocking of those holiday pounds!
Greetings again, Hello, hello! Nice to see you! Swimming is my all-time favorite exercise!
I'm doomed, Green Lotus! I've only been at it for a few months, but 'til now I had high hopes! j/k :D
Good ideas. I like the one about imitating the actions of our children. As it is one is chasing after them all the time. I'm trying to imagine the look on my husband's face if I start jumping on the sofas like my four year old :)
You never know, cashmere - it could be contagious! :) Maybe the couches wouldn't stand up for long but it could be fun. j/k ;)
Some really good ideas. Personally I don't see the point of exercising if it isn't done regularly. Time + quality = results
You just need to make some small adjustments in your daily routine to change your life for good.
Greetings, Tom! True enough - it does require a commitment.
i love excersing but it could be so painful some time i have a home gym and i dont even use it its just sitting there maybe with your advise ill start useing it.
Nalini, I would suggest you take it easy then. If your workout is painful, maybe you should start with smaller bites, and work your way up.
If you are very out of shape, or quite overweight, go slowly at first and only try for 3 to 5 minutes a day, or even every other day, until you build up some stamina. Then you can increase your time to 5 to 10 minutes. That way, you will be much less likely to hurt yourself, and you'll be able to stick with your program. If the pain persists, do see your doctor!
...and good luck!
Good Hub. I find that I sleep better with regular exercise and if I miss a workout for three days then by the fourth day my body and system lets me know.
Oh yeah, I know for sure the benefits of regular excercise. Going to Curves 3 times per week has been a life saver!!
Thanks for sharing info on the tread climber, I often wondered what type of impact it would have on someone with weak knees. I agree that belly dancing sounds like so much fun which is the key to finding a regular routine that you like. :)
A welcome Hub that gets away from the 'change your diet' mantra to 'get actually doing something' argument. Disciplined exercise is essential and benefits the mind as well as the body. Good one...
This is a timely hub for me as I'm just about to start my new years resolution! Better late than never....
I feel better and keep my weight at a good level when I exercise. I love walks and jogging and when the weather is inclement I jog in place in the basement. It sounds nut, but I feel better when I do.
Thanks Nicks - you're so right dieting does little good without a change in activity level to get everything going!
I hear you, Alexpt, but that's how it goes sometimes I think, in spite of our best intentions.
I have always been able to lose weight (or maintain a drop in pounds) with regular exercise, and though it pains me to admit it, I feel better, too when I keep it up ;)
Wow.. wonderful .. we sure can take the motivation to exercise , at the beginning of the year !!
Thanks, Ten Blogger, some days I can use a big shot of motivation, myself!
great alternative ideas! thanks for sharing
great hub
Great hub! Needs this for my new years resolution :)
Most welcome, askjanbrass! So pleased you found something of value.
Alexpt, you are very welcome also. Happy to be of help!
HI Great Hub !!! Im currently doing a personal fitness challenge details on my page would love to hear from anyone interested
Thanks Jamie
Hey, Jamie. Good luck with that challenge!
great info. i need to get back in gear haha
Nice to meet you, Alan - and you're not alone there ;)
Great hub: I have started my exercise regimen (again) and I am so grateful for your motivating hub! Thanks for sharing.
Welcome, eyewear! I know what you mean. Sitting at a computer all day can be very bad for your figure ;)
Thanks, Helen - glad to help out!
I love when I am working out because I feel great but I have not been as consistent as in the past.
Greetings Friend - I have included your comments here without your link. Thanks for commenting:
vannarith says:
13 hours ago
Let me thanks before commenting, excercise could increase your good health with what ever you want u will get it
Nice to meet you, rdelp! I think a lot of us have problems with consistency.
Nice to meet you, rdelp! I think a lot of us have problems with consistency.
Nice to meet you, rdelp! I think a lot of us have problems with consistency.
This helps me in more ways than one. I now stay home with my grandson and no longer work physically every day, something I miss SO MUCH. I don't like 'artificial' exercise so much, I want to be working. But if I follow one of these videos with my grandson, it will also show him some "boy dances", exercise really but what else is dancing but exercise? This is great, thanks!
puregenius
Most welcome, TL. It's a great way and fun to get moving, and it doesn't feel like exercise.
Thanks so much, notconsistent! Nice to meet you.
Exciting!!!!
Thanks so much, PNEUMONIAexpert. Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you, dancerhub! Thanks so much for your comments - I have posted then here without the link.
dancerhub says:
31 minutes ago
Exactly, I've learned dancing for half a year, and now I am not only fit but also, as my friends always said, have a decent bearing.
It's good to participate in different forms of exercise such as cardio, strength training, dance, cycling, kickboxing, shadow boxing, and so on - so your body will not get use to the same exercise routine and to work muscles you did not know existed until you felt them after exercising.
Thanks, Kenrick. Right you are - and the more variety, the more liable you will be to stick to an exercise regime.
loved that belly dancing video! great hub!
Great hub, if everyone listened to advice like this we would have a lot less health problems in the world from being overweight/obese. Turn off the tv and get some exercise!
qed - glad the article was helpful.
tatau - I certainly admire her control. Nice to meet you.
Greetings, Tyson. I need to take my own advice, too ;), as well as yours.
Great hub RedElf. Thank you.
There are a myriad of benefits associated with regular exercise. I havn't tried dancing although amongst some of the forms of exercise I have done, I can imagine it would probably be more entertaining.
The best kind of exercise is the type that you can maintain, and the more enjoyable the more likely you are to keep it up.
I agree with your comment about the benefits of an elliptical trainer, being low impact. I have done a lot of running in my life, contrary to advice from Orthopaedic surgeons, as I have a zjelke rod in my back from a spinal fusion. I love the cardiovascular benefits running gives me, but the elliptical gives you great cardio workouts and also keeps me from going out at 10pm at night running.
As someone else commented, if you work out regularly, your body lets you know after a few days of stopping. You start to miss the endorphins, the increased sense of energy and well being.
Your hub is very informative and I learn a new term today participaction.
Agree,I belive in Pilates!
Thanks
good article
Thanks for your comments - I have included them here!
learn and master ballroom dance says:
13 hours ago
Dancing is good for the heart, physically and emotionally!
I'd rather not be out that late either, apace! You certainly have the right ideas there, too! Thanks so much for your comments!
Happy to increase your store of knowledge, hubwriter! ;)
One of the profs t college was very big on Pilates - and much ahead of her time, too.
Thanks, chekoo1 - nice to meet you!
The clarity and balance shine from this article. Exercise is very necessary for sound health. Sound mind lives in the sound body as the proverb says. Regular exercise totally changes the individual personality. The individual becomes young, vibrant, dynamic, and enthusiastic. Regular exercise provides a number of benefits benefits.
I can always tell when I am working out regularly and when I am not. When I am I feel so much better. It is hard to get started but once you do it becomes natural
Thanks so much, stephen! I am so pleased you enjoyed the article, and you are so right in what you say. So nice to meet you!
Greetings, ben! Yes, it doesn't take long to become part of your routine.
There are most definitely many benefits to regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, as you've demonstrated very nicely in this hub.
With that said, I think a lot of people have trouble committing to regular exercise and diet. Because the fact of the matter is that it takes work to workout regularly and to eat healthily. It's all very much worth it in the end, but it requires genuine effort all the same.
Thanks so much, WBS, I couldn't agree with you more!
thanks for share
i will try it :)
Most welcome, vr.agnes. Thanks for your comments.
Thanks so much for your great comments, Katrina! I am thrilled your hub did well! I have posted your comments below without the link, but I have added a link to your hub IN my hub - thanks!
Katrina Ariel says:
3 hours ago
Great hub! It's amazing how much better I feel when I keep up with my regular workout routine. I do a lot of yoga as a teacher, but I still notice that I feel stronger and more energetic when I supplement a dynamic yoga practice with various cardio (my favs include running and dancing) plus core and strength training.
I was thrilled when my hub about yoga core strength training won a Hubnugget award - it just goes to show that people are looking for more interesting and balanced ways to stay fit. Here's that hub if you're interested:
RedElf, thanks for this great contribution to health and happiness. :)
We all know we need to get even 20 minutes 3 times a week... so why do most of us (me included) continue to sit around and do nothing? =(
Wow RedElf...you beat me to it. I was planning to write a similar hub, but you did such a good job that I will accept my defeat. Congratulations on an excellent job and a hubscore of 100. You have also convinced me to be more serious about exercise. I will therefore plan a workable program immediately. I will also link this hub to my website to ensure that I stick to my plan. Cheers!
Greetings, sam! Nice to meet you! I'm too busy writing most days, lol - seriously, I think it's because we don't make it a top priority ;)
Don't let this stop you, create a page! I'm sure your angle would be great and totally different - go for it!
I've discovered over the years that, if I work out every morning, I get far more done at work. In fact, I often think more clearly as well. So, not only am I fit, but I also get promoted more often. Exercise is amazing!
Too true, nadine. Nice to meet you, and thanks for commenting!
Good hub. Especially pertinent at this time of year!
Thanks so much, Sab Oh. Nice to meet you!
Taking nothing away from hockey players - keep in mind the bench full of players ready to relieve those marvels before they fall down, oxygen depleted!
On seeing your video of belly dancing, my wife (53) gave me a quite pleasant rendition. Thank you.
If we ever get rid of electronics, you stand some chance of succeeding in your quest!
As for me, our dog is working on it, twice daily.
Cheers.
Yes, consistency is good as in any anything and this includes exercise so I agree with premise of the hub. Not so taken in by the lovely looking muscular photos of abs, etc. In reality they may get the girl or guy for 30-seconds but the muscles are about as useful for real work as... a photoshoot?
I'm as scrawny as they come but suspect I can beat most of the pretty boys and girls in a 5K run.
Most welcome, kitchenware - thanks for commenting.
Nice to meet you, canbyte, and so pleased you and your wife found the video inspirational ;) I do believe you're right about the electronics, though!
moviedownloads, I have always found that to be a problem - I used to swim after work, three times a week, but if there are evening commitments, that can be difficult, too.
hypnosis4u2, (cool name, btw) thanks so much. Eye candy is eye candy and bears little relationship to real life for most of us ;)
nice hub,it's informative,i love working out with music on:) i like the video you have put.thanks for sharing.
best regards,nadia
It is hard to get started on a routine but if you can make it habit you wil fell wonderful in the long run.
great hub I stopped working out at the gym a year ago but after reading your hub I'm seriously thinking about working out again.. Thanks :)
I am looking for a used treadmill on Craigslist right now! Thanks for the great hub.
Daily exercises to keep fit is the way to go. Don't think there is a need to go for six-pack but just making sure that you do enough to keep your heart pumping. I like to do
areobics that makes me perspire alot. It is like getting rid of the toxin and clearing my pores.
Hi, nadia. I like to work out to music, too!
Thanks, Rose. I'm glad you're thinking of starting again!
Good for you, 2besure! Most welcome.
Nice to meet you, amulets. Thanks so much - I think the six-pack is kinda out of reach for a some of us ;)
Thanks, your hub stimulates my inner exercise conscious again.
Love it. Get up and move.
Nice article, Good health is wealth.
I like your hub very much. The exersize is very important. I am not so young any more, but because I exersized and watched my diet as I took care of my face, people think I am much younger.
Hey, thanks Shane! Glad to ahve stimulated you ;)
Thanks for commenting, Samantha! Nice to see you!
Too true, OSC! Thanks for commenting!
That's great, nora! It's always nice when that happens!
I did not value exercise very much until I read your hub. Thanks so much and God bless
nice hub - If this helps to cure one of the fashion curses of our time which is ladies with short t-shirts showing what almsot looks like a beer belly over their trousers, who have no business wearing such tshirts it has all been worthwhile.
Nice post, makes me wana train more :D
Most welcome, Topzenith! So pleased to have helped out ;)
Greetings, weddingdress! Nice to meet you! We all live in hope!
Nice to meet you, too, articleposter! I'm hoping a bit more will rub off on me ;)
ouch! sorry to read about your poor knees! Ty for the hub imma get my booty back in gear tomorrow. ty for the inspiration!
Absolutely fantastic hub. Thank you for the tips. I learned several things that I can apply for my own exercise routine. :)
I've just bought myself a rowing machine. I hope that will keep me in shape... Thanks for a great hub!
Hey RedElf!
Great workout tips!!! If you would like to get more info on health and fitness visit my Hubs and let everyone know about your Hubs!!!
To Health, Wealth and Happiness,
Jim
Hey, Shades - they still get me around ;) Glad to have helped get the booty moving!
Thanks, Wilford. Glad to add to your routine!
Fresh_Flower, you will do just fine as long as you actua;;y use it - not like some do...use it for a while and then quit ;)
Greetings, guru! I will come and check you out - thanks!
Hey RedElf, I've already commented on this great hub, however, I had to come back and say Congrats on it being featured in this week's HP newsletter. :)
Great hub! There are some really good tips! Being 42 and feeling like 24 is not as hard as it sounds. Taking care of yourself, eating right, regular exercise and consistent sleep are not that hard to achieve. Making them a habit is the key!
Oh, wow! I haven't received mine yet so I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for letting me know, MG!
Thanks, jeffro67. So nice of you to comment. You certainly got that right - and it takes some commitment, too.
exercises are necessary for body building and to stay fit and healtheir. Nice article, keep up
Thanks so much for stopping by to comment.
I would have to agree to 'dancercizing' - great exercise and enjoyable at the same time ;) Another great article!
Thanks so much, Enelle! I sure prefer the dancercizing, too - the belly dance moves are killer!
Loved the hip hop video - awesome! Great hub!
Thanks so much, GmG! Nice to see you back! The hip-hop is totally beyond me but it sure is great to watch.
This is a great hub..I love the dances well watching them anyway. Exercise is so important to overall wellbeing and you showed how it could be fun too. Thanks for the hub.
Hi RedElf, thank you for getting the word out. In the US, over 2/3 of our population is over weight and under nourished. Exercise IS the best medicine for a lot of ailments. I know I still need to lose about 15 pounds, but I exercise for 30 minutes most days of the week, so I am in pretty good shape for a woman over the age of 40.
Good information.
WOW! Good for you. It's true though, I have never kept weight off except by exercise.
Thanks for your comments, tom. I have included them here without your link:
tom thompson 5 hours ago
Exercise is important to my wellbeing and you showed how it could be fun also.
Great, thorough Hub!
Thanks RedElf for this great Hub. I've recently decided to start a new fitness and diet routine to loose some post pregnancy pounds and I found quite a few helpful things in your information. Right now I'm really enjoying a Zumba Fitness class, and after reading this I'm excited to check out some Belly Dancing Classes!
Thanks so much, PrsnlTrainingBiz. That means a lot, coming from a pro ;)
ng0208, you are most welcome. Good luck with your weight loss - sounds like you're already on the right track.
Red elf, regular exercise makes you feel better in so many ways! Not only does one looks better, but you just feel happier too. Thanks for the great suggestions. (I came here through treasurestrove, just to let you know!)
Hey, thanks Dolores! That is great to know! ...and thanks so much for your comment!
Great article. Very informative. And I agree, the only way to keep the weight off is through exercise.
Thanks Bigdaddy2000! Nice to meet you.
I have found the dancing exercises are not only effective but fun. Great information and great writing as always.
Most welcome, Gals - thanks so much for commenting!
nice article
Thanks, ASFA123! Nice of you to stop by and comment.
I would love a six pack redelf LOL right now I just have a two pack Hahahahahah I'm doing my 90 day to a slimmer waistline program and getting my butt off the online world and getting into an exercise program! Feels really good that's one benefit I am feeling :) Great and wonderful hub! :)
Greetigns, ripplemaker! You're two up on me then ;) I am walking more, and I'd have to agree with you, I feel much better for the exercise.
I voted you up, followed you and called you hub Awesome...and bookmarked you too...what a great hub well done..I exercise every day... I hope you get around to looking at my hub some day...Dean
Nice to meet you, deamcortez044. Thanks so much for the boost!
Awesome hub, really enjoyed it. The dance workouts look really fun to try!
sabrani44, I have not made it through the entire DVD yet, but it is quite a workout.
hypnodude 2 years ago
Definitely right. The benefits of regular exercise are a lot. I liked especially your point on beach bullying, which is right. Exercising make us more beautiful and healthy. I liked this hub. :)