There is an erroneous belief that health and energy can come without any physical activity. Moreover, a good segment of the population is oblivious of the fact that most of our organs and systems depend on some kind of body movement. Unfortunately, such unawareness leads many to succumb to a sedentary lifestyle, allowing both body and mind to waste. The circulatory, digestive, respiratory, and other systems require regular activity to pump blood; digest and eliminate food; and fill the lungs with enough oxygen to supply the heart, brain, cells, and body with appropriate amounts of oxygen and nutrients. Hence, the body will only function efficiently with exercise.

Recently, we are plagued with obesity that has exposed our nation to an array of diseases, making us rely on drugs and doctors. Remember, medicines do not reverse disease, let alone provide wholesome cures. Doctors prescribe statins to lower cholesterol, overlooking exercise and diet, major regulators of blood fats.

Exercise is probably the single most powerful factor, after diet, in maintaining good health. It fends off and controls diabetes type 2, vascular and coronary heart diseases, strokes, cancer, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. It also prevents arthritis, osteoporosis, depression, and memory loss.

Aerobic exercises make oxygen more available to the body. The heart steps up pumping to circulate oxygen-rich blood to organs, systems, and brain. Weight and resistance training builds muscles and boosts the metabolic rate in order to burn fat, control weight, regulate blood sugar, and lower cholesterol. Building muscle mass staves off osteoporosis by increasing bone density and bolstering connective tissue.

Knowing that patients come for quick fixes and are unwilling to commit themselves to diet and regular activity, doctors stress the significance of medication, ignoring such important preventive measures. If only the medical profession emphasizes the effectiveness of activity by making exercise part of their medical prescriptions, patients would make more effort, motivating themselves to workout.

There are different approaches to embracing regular activity. Some individuals need to be challenged to exercise. If so, set a date for a competition with a friend and prepare yourself to wipe him or her out at a squash, tennis, or racquetball game.

Others prefer to have a companion to talk to while walking, jogging, cycling, running, or working out at the gym. Arrange with a friend the days and times to meet for such activities. Companionship gives more incentive for exercising.

Some like to be entertained while exercising; they feel reluctant to leave their favorite pastime. If you are one of them, place the stationary bike or treadmill in front of the television or video; work out and watch. I have seen people read newspapers, magazines, or books during their workouts.

While some like laid-back but intensive exercises such as yoga, pilates or tai-chi, others prefer adrenalin-producing ones like marathon runs (this sport needs training and can be exhaustive), dancing, or other competitive sports.

Whatever your favorite activity may be, make it fun and try to break into a reasonable sweat to make it more effective. It is of paramount importance that you practice stretching and warm-ups before strenuous exercises to prevent injury to bones and ligaments.

Your daily program should include a 30-to-45 minute exercise session (during lunch hour or early evening) to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Commit yourself and adhere to it strictly. The endorphins, released after a physical activity, will give you joy and feeling of vibrancy and wellness. Summon your courage and determination and start today. Tomorrow may be too late!

(Mariam A. Alireza is a holistic science specialist. Send comments to [email protected]. Log on to arabnews.com for previous articles.)