Better than Therapy (?)
As a physio, I have a keen interest in preventative measures, constantly researching the latest evidence and looking for scientifically proven interventions to help people with various conditions.
Many supplements, treatment techniques, miracle foods, medications and diets are touted to be the cure, the next big thing, or the panacea – the silver bullet that cures all – but put to the test in clinical research, fail miserably. The news is not all bad…There is a scientifically proven intervention which, beyond all doubt, helps with most things. Sound too good to be true?! Keep reading…
In fact, this particular intervention has been clinically proven to:
aid weight loss
be more beneficial for depression than Prozac
be as effective in treating depression as psychotherapy
help reduce the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes
reduce pain and disability in knee arthritis sufferers
be excellent at reducing the risk of low back pain and neck pain, particularly in office workers
be an effective alternative to medication in the treatment of Chronic Insomnia
have an enormously positive effect on quality of life.
Additionally, the wonder treatment has almost no negative side effects. So what is it?
EXERCISE (I never said this was a new therapy!)
Exercising-for-health really only gained popularity in the 70s and has become the cornerstone of wellbeing for millions of people. But for many others, the sedentary lifestyle being led courtesy of the office desk, car and television is leaving us at risk of chronic disease, mental health disorders and early death.
The World Health Organisation suggests adults should exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, but industry experts believe this figure should be upwards of four hours.
Bear in mind, exercise takes on all forms. It can be walking, running, yoga, Pilates, resistance training, boxing or any other number of options. It can even involve gardening, vacuuming and running around with your kids. It should be fun, easily accessible, inexpensive and fit in with your lifestyle.
Now, I know I’m preaching to the converted here, so rather than being a rant; this is more a “dip of the lid” to everyone involved in the Perth Run Collective for their fight against what was recently described, at a forum in London, as “a pandemic of physical inactivity”. And, a big congratulations to everyone for being consistent.
Consistency is key to running. Not every run will be your fastest, your longest or even a personal best time, and nor should it be. Simply focus on getting the best you can out of each run on the day and try not to skip a session unless you’re injured or ill. Having a plan, running with others, trying a new distance or entering races are some ways to keep you motivated and consistent, meaning you’re more likely to achieve your goals and tap into all the benefits of exercise.
Hippocrates, who left us with much wisdom and advice, was rumored to have said: “Walking is man’s best medicine”. I think running is even better!
Keep it up and get your family and friends involved too. Dave
Some unpleasant truths:
Recent studies suggest, it was revealed the cost of inactivity on the world was estimated at $67.5 billion (US), and this figure is rising.
On average, every single hour of TV viewed after the age of 25 reduces the viewer's life expectancy by 21.8 minutes.
References:
Brosse, Alisha L., et al. "Exercise and the treatment of clinical depression in adults." Sports medicine 32.12 (2002): 741-760.
Babyak, Michael, et al. "Exercise treatment for major depression: maintenance of therapeutic benefit at 10 months." Psychosomatic medicine 62.5 (2000): 633-638.
Milne, Stephen, and Mark R. Elkins. "Exercise as an alternative treatment for chronic insomnia (PEDro synthesis)." British journal of sports medicine (2016): bjsports-2016.
Veerman, J. L., Healy, G. N., Cobiac, L. J., Vos, T., Winkler, E. A., Owen, N., & Dunstan, D. W. (2011). Television viewing time and reduced life expectancy: a life table analysis. British journal of sports medicine, bjsports085662.