A Little Attitude Adjustment Will Enhance Your Fitness Program

Editors Note: On June 5, I was at a blood glucose screening provided by the Harmon Diabetes Center. I listened as they repeated "the number 1 thing you can do to control or avoid diabetes is to get 150 minutes of exercise each week." I don't currently have diabetes but there is a history in my family so it's on my radar. I finally "heard" the message and I have gotten the prescribed exercise each week since. I do feel better. This week, at a doctor's appointment, the nurse asked me if I exercised because my blood pressure and pulse readings were good. Yes, it does make a difference. Here's a great reminder of the many benefits of regular exercise. We wish you the very best of health.

Even though regular physical activity is a major therapeutic recommendation for people with type 2 diabetes, adherence to exercise programs is poor. Some experts feel that too often healthcare providers neglect to remind their patients of all of the positive benefits of exercise. These include:

Social benefits
Exercising in the company of family members or peers
Participating in community-based activities

Psychological benefits
Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression
Increased feelings of well-being

Health benefits
Improved glucose regulation
Weight control
Improved lipid profiles
Reductions in high blood pressure
Increased work capacity

Appreciating ALL of the good things that exercise and fitness can do for you should improve your attitude toward them - and also your resolve to keep at it.

Source: American College of Sports Medicine. Position Stand, Exercise and type 2 diabetes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000;32(July):1345-60.

See this and other great information at lifeclinic Personal Health Management.