Exercise and Quality of Life
By: Robert E. Fortini, CFT
Of the many benefits of exercise, (and they are numerous) the most tangible and easily attained is the huge increase in positive effects collectively quantified as: quality of life. An increase in quality of life becomes most desirable as we age and those faculties such as balance, strength, flexibility, lean body mass, bone density, adequate digestion, sound sleep, and over-all feelings of well being, begin to gradually diminish. In tandem with the incidence of positive changes that exercise has been clinically proven to bring, is the clinically proven effects of exercise in preventing the incidence of diseases such as: joint pain, cardio-vascular disease, diabetes, many kinds of cancers, high blood pressure, and sexual dysfunction.
According to information published in the American Academy of Physical Education Papers (1993), sedentary individuals will experience a decline in physiological performance of about 2% per year, while people who engage in regular exercise will realize a decline of only about 0.5% per year. (1) Given the ever increasing lifespan baby boomers are experiencing, this difference has the potential to be quite significant.
According to, Fitness: The Ultimate Guide International Sports Sciences Association:
“Dr. DeVries of USC has shown that men and women in their 70’s and 80’s can achieve levels of vigor associated with people 30 years younger. This means that, assuming there are no underlying disorders; exercise can make an 85-year-old as strong as a 55-year-old person. Regular participation in physical activity can raise the fitness level of an active 64-year-old to that of an average, sedentary 30-year-old. Dr. Alex Lief of Harvard Medical School believes that exercise is the closest thing we have to an anti-aging pill. He states, “Regular daily physical activity has been a way of life for virtually every person who has reached the age of 100 in sound physical condition.” (1)
Given these proven benefits in quality of life as we age, regular physical exercise (ideally under the supervision of a trained professional) should be just as integral a part of a healthy lifestyle as quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet. For the sake of continued health, mobility, and independence in the later years of life, a regimen of strength training (weight bearing exercises), and cardio vascular training should be maintained throughout the lifetime, or begun as soon as possible.
Using sound technique and the knowledge of qualified professionals, anyone, regardless of their current fitness level, can experience the benefits of increased quality of life that exercise provides.
Sources:
Fitness: the Complete Guide Official Text for ISSA’S Certified Trainer Program, Frederick C. Hatfield, PhD. (2004)
About the Author:
Robert Fortini is a certified personal trainer with the International Sports Sciences Association. He has over ten years experience as a power lifter, having competed in amateur, drug-free contests. He has experience training strength athletes and has now branched out into the world of personal training to bring his knowledge of strength training principles to people of all fitness levels. Robert Fortini is the owner and president of Paragon Fitness, and together with Collette Puleo, Vice President of Paragon Fitness, he is available for personal training sessions in the home or in the gym. He can be reached at 617-997-3433 or e-mailed at: Robert.fortini10@gmail.com.
Collette Puleo can be reached at 508-843-0169 or e-mailed at: collette_renee@yahoo.com.