Physiology of Physical Activity
Home Group Leader Assignment: Physiology of Physical Activity
Physical activity has been a part of societies for centuries. Activity has been incorporated into people’s daily lives in various forms such as sport, weightlifting, running, hiking, swimming and walking to name a few. Many perform physical activity for physical, emotional and mental well-being while others take part for leisurely fun. The physiology of how physical activity affects our bodies has been studied thoroughly. In the following essay three areas of physiology and activity will be visited: how it improves human health, enable human potential and evoke social change.
For many years now a lot of research and money has gone into finding ways to cure or prevent diseases and cancer. Although it would be easier to get a pill or injection which could prevent and cure the disease, this is not possible, so the best alternative would be to put a little effort in every day and do some physical activity. Studies have shown that an increase in weekly physical activity can decrease the chances of heart disease up to 46%. In order to achieve these results, “[c]urrent evidence supports recommended guidelines of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week in both primary and secondary prevention of [cardiovascular heart disease].” (Wannamethee, 2002, p. 258) This is definitely a smarter and an inexpensive way to prevent diseases and keep one healthy.
Physical activity allows the body’s innate physiology to self-heal and regulate against disease. By keeping physically active through exercise, the human body can function much more smoothly without any problems such as high blood pressure. Also, type two diabetes, which has been linked to obesity can be prevented through activity. By keeping active the body can break down glucose much easier, so it can provide energy for the cells of the body and keep us functioning properly. Studies have shown that “150 min/week of
Physical activity has been a part of societies for centuries. Activity has been incorporated into people’s daily lives in various forms such as sport, weightlifting, running, hiking, swimming and walking to name a few. Many perform physical activity for physical, emotional and mental well-being while others take part for leisurely fun. The physiology of how physical activity affects our bodies has been studied thoroughly. In the following essay three areas of physiology and activity will be visited: how it improves human health, enable human potential and evoke social change.
For many years now a lot of research and money has gone into finding ways to cure or prevent diseases and cancer. Although it would be easier to get a pill or injection which could prevent and cure the disease, this is not possible, so the best alternative would be to put a little effort in every day and do some physical activity. Studies have shown that an increase in weekly physical activity can decrease the chances of heart disease up to 46%. In order to achieve these results, “[c]urrent evidence supports recommended guidelines of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week in both primary and secondary prevention of [cardiovascular heart disease].” (Wannamethee, 2002, p. 258) This is definitely a smarter and an inexpensive way to prevent diseases and keep one healthy.
Physical activity allows the body’s innate physiology to self-heal and regulate against disease. By keeping physically active through exercise, the human body can function much more smoothly without any problems such as high blood pressure. Also, type two diabetes, which has been linked to obesity can be prevented through activity. By keeping active the body can break down glucose much easier, so it can provide energy for the cells of the body and keep us functioning properly. Studies have shown that “150 min/week of
References: 1.) Wannamethee S.G, Shaper A.G. (2002). Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Disease. Seminars in Vascular Medicine.2(3), 257-266. 2.) Sigal et al. (2006). Physical Activity/Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes. American Diabetes Association. 29(6), 1443-1438. 3.) Turnbull S. Yoga as a Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms. (2010). Sri Jyoti Journal of Yoga – Ontogenetic & Therapeutic Investigation. 2(1), 14-16.