There are plenty of good reasons to exercise . . . but losing weight is not one of them. Yes, there are people, genetically-determined or armed with extraordinary determination, who can lose weight with a strenuous exercise program. But the majority lose a modest quantity and that’s the end of it. They even continue to torture themselves for years, telling themselves that they are burning calories, burning off fat, and if they would only exercise longer and harder they would lose weight–but don’t. Is it worth exercising if it does not result in substantial control over weight? Yes, indeed it is. Among the reasons to exercise with some regularity include: Reduction in insulin resistance–i.e., the effect that leads to higher blood sugars and type 2 diabetes. Insulin responses are improved in both muscle and liver. Reduction in fatty liver–exercise can be one component of an effort to or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Growth of brain tissue–especially the involved with memory andspatial navigation (e.g., walking and balance). In other words, exercise likely protects you from dementia. Improved mood–greater well-being, , less anxiety all result from exercise, even if you don’t achieve the level required to experience the euphoric “runner’s high. Deeper sleep–Physical exertion is a terrific soporific. Protection from osteoporosis and fractures–especially resistance training and any movement resulting in axial impact, e.g., jumping. Maintenance of muscle mass and –adding to the reduction in insulin resistance and maintaining youthfulness. Reduction of chronic pain and –Not huge effects, but exercise can be one component of a broader effort. That’s just a partial list, but you get the idea: exercise is a marvelous means of maintaining health, even partially counteracting the effects of aging. In my view, one of the most important aspects of exercise is not duration, or intensity, or whether you wear spandex pants or not. It’s whether you enjoy the activity youchoose. Select activities that you love to do, not activities that make you despise or avoid the effort. —adapted from Dr. William Davis, 3/25/16
