“Movement is medicine.”
It’s an adage that you’ll often hear from physiotherapists, rehab specialists and other practitioners in the world of physiotherapy.
And if you’re among the countless people who have experienced firsthand just what exercise therapy can do for your health and quality of life, then you’re probably happy to tout the phrase as well.
Here are 7 ways exercise physiology can improve your quality of life:
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, as much as 67% of the Australian population is living with overweight or obesity. This can contribute to a number of chronic illnesses, including Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the major factors that cause weight issues. Along with diet, exercise physiology can aid not only in managing the weight but also the conditions that accompany it.
Regular physical activity, specifically resistance training, helps build muscle mass. Greater muscle mass means a higher metabolic rate, which means you burn more calories throughout the day.
When we think of people training muscles, we might think of strong biceps and legs. But let’s not forget: the heart is made of muscles too – and they’re some of the most important ones that you need to train.
Cardio is called that for a reason: it trains and improves your cardiovascular system. In other words, the function of your heart and blood vessels. Over time, consistent cardiovascular exercise can lower your resting heart rate and blood pressure, improve your heart’s efficiency, and increase your overall stamina.
An exercise physiologist can assess your current level of cardiovascular and respiratory fitness, and create a program that will allow you to train safely and gradually. This is especially crucial for individuals with a history of heart disease or those at risk.
The lungs also benefit greatly from regular exercise. However, working out may be daunting or difficult for those who already suffer from chronic respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath.
If you have COPD or other lung conditions, a qualified exercise physiologist can guide you in training safely.
Breathing exercises and specific aerobic activities can help improve lung function, increase oxygen uptake, and enhance overall respiratory health. These exercises help strengthen the respiratory muscles and improve the efficiency of your breathing patterns.
For those with asthma or other respiratory conditions, an exercise physiologist can develop a plan that minimises the risk of exacerbating symptoms while maximising the benefits.
For those living with musculoskeletal conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia, the chronic pain can often deter them from getting regular exercise. However, regular exercise is crucial for maintaining their quality of life.
An exercise physiologist can prescribe exercises to help retain mobility, muscle strength, and overall health, without aggravating the pain and stiffness they may feel in the affected joints.
Low-impact exercises, such as swimming or using an elliptical machine, can be particularly beneficial. Stretching and flexibility exercises can help reduce stiffness and improve the range of motion, making daily activities easier and less painful.
Even for those without chronic conditions, loss of strength and mobility happens over time with a sedentary lifestyle.
Lack of use causes muscles to lose mass, strength, and flexibility over time. The consequences of this become more apparent as one gets older – even performing day-to-day tasks such as carrying moderate loads, getting up from a seated position, and going up and down stairs becomes more difficult.
Regular resistance training is crucial to maintaining muscle mass and strength.Strength training exercises, such as lifting weights or using resistance bands, can help counteract muscle loss and improve bone density. This is particularly important for older adults, as it can help prevent falls and fractures.
Additionally, incorporating balance and stability exercises into your routine can further enhance your functional mobility and reduce the risk of injury.
Women face specific health issues that cause a variety of chronic symptoms. Among these are PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), endometriosis, menstrual disorders, and menopause. On top of this, women are also more prone to osteoporosis.
Exercise can play a big role in managing their physical and mental health. Regular physical activity can help alleviate symptoms of PCOS, such as insulin resistance and weight gain. For those experiencing menopausal symptoms, exercise can help manage weight, improve mood, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Weight training also helps maintain bone density, helping to prevent osteoporosis.
An exercise physiologist can take into account the different symptoms, as well as the hormonal changes that can affect a woman’s strength and stamina.
It’s easy to think of athletes as the healthiest people on the planet, but the reality is that training for competitive sports can take a massive toll on one’s body. This can include acute injuries, to overuse injuries, and even just the overall fatigue from constant exertion.
An exercise physio can tailor a prehab program specifically for the athlete, taking into account the demands of the sport, the movement patterns that can increase risk of injury, and any recurring issues with pain or mobility.
The physio can also help address any muscle weaknesses and imbalances that may be hindering the athlete’s performance.
Even if you’re not into sports, injury prevention can also be extremely beneficial, especially if you work a physical job that involves weights or repetitive movements.
In Australia, workplace injury is a serious concern, with 127,800 serious workers’ compensation claims made in 2023.
Last but not least, exercise has profound effects on mental health. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. It also reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance overall emotional well-being.
An exercise physiologist can help create a program that incorporates activities you enjoy, making it easier to stick with the routine.
The benefits of exercise physiology extend far beyond physical fitness. From managing chronic conditions and preventing injuries to enhancing mental health and improving quality of life, movement truly is medicine.
Are you looking to see the difference that exercise – especially when guided by knowledgeable and highly qualified physios – can make in your life? Get in touch with us by filling out the form here or by calling 02 8808 4000.