Why is exercise medicine?
- Exercise has been shown to prevent, treat or slow the progression of various chronic diseases.
- Just like over-the-counter medication, your exercise prescription will also include a desired frequency, intensity, and duration.
- For most people, the goal is to accumulate 150-300 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise per week, in addition to resistance training 2-4 times per week.
Benefits of exercise
- Cardiovascular System (heart & arteries): Improves cholesterol and fat levels in the blood, reduces inflammation in the arteries, and helps to keep blood vessels flexible and open. Like all muscles, the heart becomes stronger over time as a result of exercise.
- Brain: Improves the health of blood vessels in the brain, promotes the growth of new networks, improves and protects memory and thinking skills.
- Diabetes: Helps improve blood sugar control, which lowers your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, and improves insulin sensitivity.
- Stress/Emotional Wellbeing: Has been shown to improve mood, and can be an effective tool to manage daily stress.
- Sleep: Improves sleep patterns and quality.
- Weight: Daily exercise can help you maintain and/or reach a healthy weight.
Want more information?
- Speak to your Exercise Therapist, doctor, or pharmacist.
- Attend our Heart Healthy Education on Exercise and Vascular Disease.
- View our Exercise is Medicine Handout