I recently attended a wonderful workshop by Mike Studer, owner of Northwest Rehabilitation Associates in Salem. The topic of his workshop was about the benefits of exercise, particularly to those living with Parkinson’s disease. Studies have shown, according to Mike, that intense exercise causes the brain to release a dopamine-like substance that is protective to the brain. Exercise has no side effects so it’s much better to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s such as weakness, tremors, freezing/shuffling, posture and imbalance.
A series of simple exercises can be done to build up the strength in the legs such as sitting in a comfortable chair and standing and sitting down again for 20 seconds to start with. Each day add a few more repetitions until you are able to sit and stand for a full minute. A good way to judge the amount of time you exercise is to do it during commercials since they are generally 30 seconds long! You won’t miss your favorite show AND you will reap the benefits of increased strength and stamina in your legs.
Mike went on to say that regardless of why you exercise studies show that making time for exercise, even walking 20 minutes 5 days a week, will provide mental benefits as well as benefits to your heart and lungs.
According to an article in the Huffington Post by Sophia Breene there are many other reasons to exercise that can lead to a healthier and happier life overall. Some include:
• Reduce Stress
• Improve Self Confidence
• Prevent Cognitive Decline
• Alleviate anxiety
• Boost your brainpower
• Sharpen Memory
To read 7 more reasons to strap on those tennis shoes each week, go to Sophia’s article at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/27/mental-health-benefits-exercise_n_2956099.html
Whether it’s to get a better looking, healthier body, increase your memory, or just to live a happier life, find a form of exercise that appeals to you and do if for your health’s sake.
Mike went on to say that regardless of why you exercise studies show that making time for exercise, even walking 20 minutes 5 days a week, will provide mental benefits as well as benefits to your heart and lungs.
According to an article in the Huffington Post by Sophia Breene there are many other reasons to exercise that can lead to a healthier and happier life overall. Some include:
• Reduce Stress
• Improve Self Confidence
• Prevent Cognitive Decline
• Alleviate anxiety
• Boost your brainpower
• Sharpen Memory
To read 7 more reasons to strap on those tennis shoes each week, go to Sophia’s article at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/27/mental-health-benefits-exercise_n_2956099.html
Whether it’s to get a better looking, healthier body, increase your memory, or just to live a happier life, find a form of exercise that appeals to you and do if for your health’s sake.
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