The widespread effects of exercise should not be surprising considering that the human body evolved in an environment of regular physical activity. Biologically, it was part of survival. Physical capability was necessary for success at hunting, gathering food, and providing shelter and safety. What is now considered a form of exercise – walking – was originally a form of transportation.
Today, many people see physical movement as an optional part of their lifestyles. This type of thinking is unfortunate considering the integral role that exercise plays, not only in general health, but also numerous cellular and molecular cascades that protect the brain. Not surprisingly, a lack of exercise is linked to increased incidence of many diseases. Additionally, the ability to perform day-to-day activities declines: to walk without falling, to rise from a chair or get in and out of a car unaided, to carry a bag of groceries, to tie shoes, etc. Although human lifestyles have changed, and exercise is no longer a necessary part of our daily survival, our bodies still need exercise. We must consciously make an effort to incorporate some sort of physical activity into our daily life routine.
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Last Modified: 05/22/2009
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