Exercise is right

Exercise is one of the cornerstones of good health.  Exercise is a word that has many connotations depending on one's own experiences, culture and needs.  It can take many forms such as deliberate planned exercises, incidental activity, sport, outdoor recreation, individual or group activities, as transport like walking and cycling and many more.

So the thought of having to do exercise to be fit and well does not need to be negative or daunting.  The type of activity is variable and should initially suit your desire to participate.  Once you feel confident in your ability to have a go such as in swimming gently or walking along an easy path or doing a small number of deliberate core exercises you will probably develop competence and a sense of mastery.  Once the body responds positively and the 'feel good' effect is noticed you will seek more of this feeling and look forward to regular sessions.  People often ask how long will it take to notice the benefit.   Of course it depends on what sort of benefits they are seeking: cardio fitness; pain reduction; strength; flexibility; mobility of arthritic joints; balance and agility.

In most cases if the starting plan and then progression is appropriate the 'feel good' effect occurs fairly quickly - within a week or three. How do you know what is an appropriate starting level and rate of progression in terms of duration, frequency and intensity?  Some weeks or months later the question might be, 'how fit can I become?' or 'how can I maintain this new-found fitness with limited time?' and many other relevant and important questions.

The best and safest way to learn how to exercise or simply be more active is to see and Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) if you have medical or chronic considerations or an Exercise Scientist (AES) if you have no real physical disabilities or health worries.

For some great insights and readings check out www.exerciseright.com.au where there is free information written by AEPs and AESs