“When it comes to preventing health problems,” says Dr. David Katz, founding director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center, “exercise is one of the best medicines we have.” And, as it turns out, certain exercises target certain health problems — regardless of your age or physical ability.648_mom_health

So, if you want to feel better, while potentially adding years to your life, be sure to include these exercises in your “personal toolkit” of ways to achieve better health and living.

(1) Insomnia/Low Energy
“We aren’t sure why activity primes your body for sleep so well, but it’s likely a combination of factors, including lowering your core body temperature, increasing the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin and supporting a biological need to restore energy levels and repair cells and tissues when you sleep,” says Brad Cardinal, co-director of the sport and exercise psychology program at Oregon State University.

Although the reasons are hard to understand, the results are well documented and easy to define. Cardinal sums it up best by saying, “Exercisers fall asleep faster, suffer fewer middle-of-the-night wake-ups and have a reduced risk of sleep disorders.”

As for the best exercise to get you into that “good sleep equals more energy” routine, work your way up to 150 minutes per week of moderate activity. (Because exercise is stimulating, be sure to finish your workout at least three hours before bedtime.) For a moderate activity, yoga is hard to beat. Plus, a 2012 study has proven that yoga, along with deep-breathing techniques, relieved insomnia within four months. And, a 2011 study found that when you exercise 150 minutes a week, you are 65 percent less likely to run out of energy during the day.

(2) Food Cravings/Weight Gain
If you constantly give into food cravings, or always snack, then you will likely experience weight gain. Trying to curb these habits with sheer willpower is tough because: “In the throes of a craving, your brain is saying, ‘feed me dopamine!’ — that neurotransmitter that taps into the reward center of your brain. You can satisfy the call with carbs — or with exercise,” says Dr. John Ratey, the author of “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.”

The best exercise for crushing those cravings? Whenever you find yourself reaching for a snack, reach instead for your sneakers and take a brisk 15-minute walk. (Recent research has proven this will short-circuit those food craving messages in your head.)

(3) Weakened Immune System
Aerobic exercises coax immune cells out of body tissues and into your bloodstream, where they attack invading viruses and bacteria, explains David Nieman, a professor at Appalachian State University. His research has shown conclusively that five days of aerobic exercise a week reduces sick days by 43 percent.

Some of the best aerobic exercises are jogging, cycling and dancing. Simply do something aerobic for 30 minutes almost every day, and you will be boosting your immune system naturally.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/default.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676

5 Comments

  1. Mike says:

    Hi,

    Wondering if I could get some feedback on the benefits of a raw food diet?

    Thanks

  2. Relecita Proctor says:

    I use to do aerobics at least 5x/week. I switch to elliptical & gained weight on my hips & thighs. I wonder if stopping aero has something to do with it?
    Dr. Colbert I have longed to contact you for so long but I did not know how. May be this will reach you. I am having heath issues with GERD & Esoph dismotility per my GI. I am on Pepcid 40 mg 2x/day & still suffering. I am not able to tolerate Prilosec etc because of side effects. I retired last March to reduce work stress related. The tongue/mouth/throat and eyes burning sensation unchanged. I am trying to maintain low fat, no spicy , citrus diet. I am 61 y.o., 5’2″, 105#, Asian, married with 2 girls and both are married, 1 grand son.
    Is there anything you can help me? I would love to hear from you any advice you have. I know you are a Godly Dr. and can intercede to the Father for me as well.
    Thank you and be greatly blessed.

    Relecita Proctor

  3. Linda says:

    Dear Dr Colbert,

    You are a man respected by many and promoted on many Christian TV shows.

    I am very disappointed that yoga is promoted in this article. It is a known fact that yoga is rooted in Eastern meditation / religion and as such has spiritual significance and impact that sadly, many Christians seem unaware of. So, whilst it may seem good for the body it is definitely NOT good for the soul / spirit. We need to wake up to the subtle tactics of the enemy to infiltrate the church with seemingly harmless ploys. The argument generally goes “well, I just do the exercise – not the meditation”. If the roots are evil then the entire tree is evil.

    I urge Christians please do not be involved in Yoga. You will pay more than you realize. Don’t give the enemy access to your soul in any way.

    I have been involved with deliverance ministry for many years and I have seen the impact of Eastern religions on people. If you are yourself doing Yoga or any other such thing please stop and seek some understanding of what is actually involved.
    We are SPIRIT BEINGs – not just bodies.

  4. gail gardner says:

    I have gastropharsis and barrett’s esophagus .I can ‘t take prilosec and other meds. like this because of the side effects.I burn in my throath all the time no matter what I eat. Can you give me any advice. I know you are a Godly man and ask you to please pray for me.
    Thank you and God Bless!

  5. Nick Vacalo says:

    Great site. Have bookmarked it. Thanks 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *