Exercise – Benefits Beyond the Scale
Tuesday, February 5th, 2008By Mark Misner
With February already upon us, I wonder how many people are frustrated because they are not seeing the results of their exercise on the bathroom scale. We have all heard, many times before, of the abundance of amazing benefits to a healthy lifestyle. Researchers at Harvard University and Brigham Women’s Hospital have found that despite the failure to lose scale weight, people who engage in moderate regular exercise may still be improving their cardiovascular health.
This study, in the November 2007 issue of The Journal of American Heart Association and lead by author Samia Mora, MD, MMS; found there were several levels of benefits which combined to significantly lower the incidence of cardiovascular disease events. The researchers noted positive changes in Body Mass Index (BMI), inflammatory and blood biomarker improvements, blood pressure improvements, along with positive changes in various lipids, such as cholesterol. Interestingly, most of these benefits that contributed to the reduced cardiovascular risks are such that they can’t be seen on the bathroom scale or in your clothing size.
Dr. Mora noted that their findings should encourage people to continue their exercise programs even if they do not lose weight. The researchers concluded that even a moderate level of exercise; “the equivalent of just over two hours per week of brisk walking”, was enough to significantly lower the incidence of cardiovascular disease events.
I do understand that most of you have additional goals in mind when you exercise. You want to maintain a healthy body and a lower-than-average body composition along with the lowered risks of cardiovascular disease. You like the unseen benefits, but you also want noticeable results. I strongly encourage a consistent exercise plan that includes both aerobic activity and a safe, challenging weight training program. You should be participating in aerobic activity three to five days per week and also weight training two to three sessions per week.
Unfortunately, there simply is no magic bullet or pill that can provide the desired results. Optimum fitness results are achieved when your exercise commitment is combined with a moderate-calorie, balanced, healthy diet. Remember that the only true miracle diet is a well balanced plan filled with healthy food choices, eaten in modest portion sizes; including plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein.
You must be patient and consistent over time to achieve your heath and wellness goals. There are no short-cuts to healthy living. This is a life-long journey with wonderful rewards all along the way. Some of the rewards are easier to see then others, but they all have payoffs where your health is concerned. Have a healthy day.
Mark Misner is a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer and the president of Body By Design, Inc. Personal Trainers; he has been helping clients realize their health and fitness goals for over nineteen years.
