(BlackDoctor.org) -- In my writings I often mention other articles I have written, sometimes to indirectly invite the reader to read those as well, sometimes simply as a reference. I relate one here again, except on this occasion it wasn’t written by me, thankfully. I’m talking about a recent article titled "Why Exercise Won’t Make You Thin," published in Time magazine. It basically asserted that exercise is not all that important, even for kids! Believe it or not, it actually ran it as a cover story, of all places (here’s a link to this monstrosity, for your contemptuous pleasure: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1914857-3,00.html?CMP=EMC-ProNews_0809).

The cover headline, "The Myth About Exercise," was ironically appropriate—the ideas presented in the associated article are indeed mythical. The story has caused quite a ripple—to say the least—throughout the health and wellness community. Even the head of the research center where some of the studies referenced in the article were conducted has since issued a strong counterstatement saying that their work was misrepresented and largely taken out of context (it can be accessed here: http://www.pbrc.edu/News/Featured_Stories/Story.asp?id=17). I thought that a response of my own was in order, to help dispel this myth Time has decided to perpetuate before it magically turned into fact. I decided to also use this opportunity to dissipate a number of additional misunderstandings or concerns pertaining to exercise that may arise from time to time.

The general premise behind the Time article is that exercise may not necessarily lead to weight loss, for the reason that many who engage in it supposedly overcompensate for the calories expended during exercise by eating more and moving less throughout the rest of the day. So, in fact, exercise results in weight gain, it proclaims. In my opinion, the notion is such utter nonsense that the majority of people who read the article would probably start exercising as if possessed just to prove it wrong. What it suggests is so ludicrous, I’m almost wondering if that was the real intent: get people to actually do the exact opposite through reverse psychology of a sort. In case it didn’t work as planned, I feel it is only my righteous duty to quickly come to the defense of all that is good and true—in this instance: exercise.

First of all, the benefits of regular exercise are incredibly vast and extend well beyond mere weight loss. While the Time article mentions this fact, it does so in a rather dismissive manner. The author instead stresses the importance of diet in weight reduction. Fine, no doubt about it, diet is a crucial factor in both weight reduction and overall health, but simply eating less will not spontaneously result in a physique magnifique—that has to be passionately crafted. However, it must be pointed out that it is a mistake to make weight loss, and implicitly good looks, the primary incentives behind diet or exercise in the first place. While the prospects of a more pleasing appearance may certainly serve as added inspiration, it is health that should always remain the real motive. To everyone’s delight, however, health and beauty happen to be inseparable, with the latter inevitably emerging from the former. We have Nature to thank for that, as nothing brings her more pleasure than giving gifts to those who live in harmony with her laws.

Now, let’s focus on the main benefits of physical culture for a moment. It is well established through extensive research that exercise significantly decreases risks for heart disease, hypertension, cancer, obesity and diabetes. As well, it has been shown time and time again to provide considerable improvements in a wide assortment of conditions ranging from pulmonary disease, to chronic pain, constipation, arthritis, neuromuscular disease, insomnia and chronic fatigue.1-20, 54 There is also an abundance of convincing evidence that exercise can counteract various types of physiological deterioration associated with aging.21-26, 54 This is all in addition to providing tremendously positive effects on the immune system and mental health.27-36, 54

This last part alone is more than worth it, considering the shocking prevalence of mood disorders among Americans. Exercise is considered to be one of the most powerful antidepressants available and has been found to be at least as effective as, if not more than, pharmaceuticals and psychotherapy.27-34 The confidence, the self-assurance, the inner strength—none of that can be gained by merely opting out of a cupcake. Aside from the direct biochemical link between mood and exercise, just the thought of having a powerful, able body in itself is sure to give quite a delight to the owner.

Furthermore, latest research strongly indicates that daily exercise may not only slow age-related decline in cognitive function but actually stimulate production of new neurons (brain cells) and expansion of their networks, thereby enhancing mental performance!37-44 This comes as no surprise because, after all, the mind and body are very intimately related. One is ultimately a reflection, an expression, of the other. You can easily verify this yourself.

So, you already got healthy, now we’ve added the wise, all that’s left is wealthy. That’s not bad, two out of three; but these two are the most vital anyway, since it’s virtually impossible to achieve, and let alone enjoy, the third without them.

Continued in Part II

References

1. Paffenbarger RS Jr., Hyde RT, Wing A, Hsieh CC. Physical activity, all-cause mortality and longevity of college alumni. N Engl J Med. 1986;314:605-613.
2. Armen J, Smith BW. Exercise considerations in coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and diabetes mellitus. Clin Sports Med. 2003;22:123-133.
3. Blair SN, Kohl HW III, Paffenbarger RS Jr., et al. Physical fitness and all-cause mortality. A prospective study of healthy men and women. JAMA. 1989;262:2395-2401.
4. Powell KE, Caspersen CJ, Koplan JP, et al. Physical activity and chronic diseases. Am J Clin Nutr. 1989;49(suppl 5):999-1006.
5. Ekoe JM. Overview of diabetes mellitus and exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1989;21:353-355.
6. Vitug A, Schneider SH, Ruderman NB. Exercise and type I diabetes mellitus. Exerc Sports Sci Rev. 1988;16:285-304.
7. Duda M. The role of exercise in managing diabetes. Phys Sportsmed. 1985;13:164-170.
8. Blair SN, Goodyear NN, Gibbons LW, et al. Physical fitness and incidence of hypertension in healthy normotensive men and women. JAMA. 1984;252:487-490.
9. Lindeman E, Spaans F, Reulen J, et al. Progressive resistance training in neuromuscular patients. Effects on force and surface EMG. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 1999;9:379-384.
10. Vena JE, Graham S, Zielezny M, et al. Lifetime occupational exercise and colon cancer. Am J Epidemiol. 1985;122:357-365.
11. Paffenbarger RS Jr, Hyde RT, Wing AL. Physical activity and incidence of cancer in diverse populations: a preliminary report. Am J Clin Nutr. 1987;45(suppl 1):312-317.
12. Paffenbarger RS Jr, Wing AL, Hyde RT, et al. Physical activity and incidence of hypertension in college alumni. Am J Epidemiol. 1983; 117:245-257.
13. Swerts PMJ, Kretzers LMJ, Terpstra-Lindeman E, et al. Exercise reconditioning in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a short- and long-term analysis. Arch Phys M