SPORTS HEALTH & NUTRITION

The Health Benefits of Exercise and Sport

In this day and age, the message of the health benefits of exercise, nutrition and sport are being widely propogated. The media have taken a large slice of responsibility for this thankfully. The education system also and of course via sports articles. More and more Doctors are more often now prescribing exercise as a preventative measure against diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We hope our sports articles and advice on health and nutrition will also help to get the message accross.

A range of higher degrees specialising in exercise and sport science, physical education and human movement have further contributed to our collective knowledge of the benefits of sport and exercise to our health. Recent research has provided compelling evidence that good physical exercise and sport is positively associated with decreased morbidity and mortality.

The problems most people face is of course today's lifestye. It's so easy to allow ourselves to indulge a little which generally means a lot. I for one put on some fat (all in my belly) due to my enjoyment of food. I searched for an found a product that allowed me to eat much of what I like and removed my fat very quickly. I reviewed the product and if you have a similar problem you too can burn the fat, feed the muscle. I've included evidence to support my efforts and you can see the effects both before and after my product review. (Next week I review a cream cake recipe)

These days most people are aware that regular exercise and/or sport will function to keep the heart and cardiovascular systems in good health. A large study involving over 13000 men and women at the Institute of Aerobics Research in Dallas, Texas, found that fitter 40 year olds had a notably reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease. Further, the study found that there was a dramatically decreased risk of death or illness from all types of cancers, directly proportional to fitness level. There have been suggestions that this correlates to the positive effect of regular sporting activity on the body's immune system.

The interaction and cooperation required in team sports such as basketball, touch football or even team cycling or doubles tennis can promote a sense of belonging and provide a network for social activity. Even when played at a social level, team sports can be great drivers in building a person's self esteem, and they provide a positive outlet for energy. Friendships among teammates can last many seasons and may well stretch beyond the sporting arena. All of these factors contribute positively to the mental health of participants. But perhaps just as importantly, the social factor in team sports can encourage individuals to persist with exercise, motivating them to achieve the physical and psychological benefits outlined above.

With the wealth of evidence to support the incorporation of exercise and sport into daily life, one must still remember to consult a doctor before commencing any exercise program to ensure there are no contraindications to exercise. Once underway, the benefits of regular sport or general exercise will be felt both in the short term and long term.