Exercise.

EXERCISE

Exercise is defined as "The activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit" (Wordweb). When God created man, He gave us the blessing of exercise. From Genesis 2:15, we read the following: "And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it". Activity has been the law of life right after creation.

The benefits of exercise on the body are enormous. Exercise leads to an improved circulation of blood to other body organs which lowers high blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body, thus decreasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Regular exercise has also got mental benefits such as an overall improved sense of wellbeing; increase in energy, efficiency and endurance. Regular exercise also lifts depression, reduces stress and improves quality of sleep. Moderate exercise also helps us to improve appetite, control and helps us to attain a desirable weight. Besides all these, exercise also strengthens the body’s immune system, strengthens the bones and lowers insulin requirements.

Despite all these benefits of exercise, inactivity is what abounds in our society today. The hazards of inactive or sedentary lifestyle are enormous. Besides affecting the quality of life, a sedentary lifestyle also increases the risk of acquiring today’s degenerative diseases. For instance, an inactive lifestyle can lead to heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer as well as anxiety and depression. With all the risks of inactivity staring at you, why don’t you get up and begin exercising today. Brisk walking is the best form of exercise. It’s inexpensive, safe and nearly everyone can get involved. Other forms of exercise associated with hobbies such as gardening, swimming, tennis etc. can also help to improve the body muscles.

About 30 minutes of exercise a day will give one the vitality of body and mind needed to pursue the various activities within the day. In as much as exercise is a blessing, excessive exercise can tear the muscles of the body and be counter- productive. Even as many have resorted to an inactive lifestyle today, it is my prayer that the Lord will strengthen you to consider a NEWSTART in exercise.