Exercise helps keep your body strong and active.
The body is made up of muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, bones and fat. All of these parts of our body respond to exercise by becoming stronger, more limber, and more efficient. Exercise is the oil our bodies need to move easier requiring less energy. Without exercise, the body will become weaker, stiffer and easily fatigued over time.
Exercise helps mood and cognitive function.
Exercise helps our mood, self esteem, energy level and sense of wellbeing. Exercise is an important part of treatment for depression. Exercise also helps keep our mind sharp. Research show that exercise helps cognitive thinking in older adults and helps reduce memory and cognitive problems in patients with Alzheimer’s dementia. Research examining the effect of exercise on cognitive function in Parkinson’s is underway.
Exercise improves our general health.
It improves our hormonal system leading to better use of blood sugar, better control of insulin, better sleep and can help us vent our frustrations and anxieties that are part of life. Exercise reduces our risk of medical problems related to our heart, lungs and cancer. Positive mental attitude toward exercise will help drive your desire to exercise as a part of your daily routine and can give you a sense of taking charge of your body.
Exercise enhances brain function.
Exercise actually improves how our brain functions, how we move and evenhow we think.
Sierra Farris, PA-C is a physician assistant at the Booth Gardner Parkinson's Care Cente and DBS program coordinator. She specializes in comprehensive care for people with Parkinson's.