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THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR EXERCISE
The human body is built for action – not for rest. Once upon a time this was a necessity: the struggle for
survival demanded good physical condition. But optimal function can only be achieved by regularly
exposing the heart, circulation, muscles, tendons, skeleton and nervous system to some loading, i.e.
training.
In the old days the body got its exercise both in work and at leisure. In our modern society, however,
machines have taken over an ever increasing share of the tasks which were formerly accomplished with
muscular power alone. Our life has at an accelerated tempo been dominated by sitting, riding and lying.
Thus, the natural and vital stimulation that tissues and internal organs receive through physical exercise
has largely disappeared. Certain tissues such as muscles, bone and blood and also a number of bodily
functions can adapt to inactivity – and to stress. Studies have proved that if you use 30 minutes for
exercise like brisk walking, running, bicycling, swimming or skiing 2-3 times a week, your condition has
been improved by some 15 per cent after a few months. The efficiency of the heart muscle will increase
and joints and muscles grow in strength. The capillary density increases in the trained muscle and their
enzymatic activities are enhanced. The body adapts to the new demands. The perceived exertion at a
given rate of exercise becomes reduced.
With increased physical activity fatness is concentrated, the appetite functions “safer”, you can eat more
without risk for overweight and thereby the risk of lack of important essential food nutrients decreases.
For many individuals the effect of habitual physical activity also improves the wellbeing and it is a good
feeling to have a potential to cope with straining situations.
What kind of exercise to choose?
1. You should have fun when exercising. Choose something you find pleasure in doing regularly.
2. To get o good effect out of the training you should choose a form of exercise that engages large
muscle groups. Then the demand of increased blood flow and oxygen transport will be so great that
heart will increase its pump capacity. Jogging, calesthenics, aerobic dancing, bicycling, swimming,
skiing and walking are excellent examples of exercises meeting this requirement.
IN A FEW MONTHS YOU CAN GET 10-15 YEARS YOUNGER
If you cycle 30 minutes a few times a week you can lower your condition age with 10-15 years!
Scientifically this is described as a reduction on the biological age. Externally, you are your usual self.
Internally, however, you feel much younger. In other words: You can work harder. You feel more alert
and healthy. Your ability to handle stress and problems increases. There are few better ways to improve
your physical condition than to cycle. It does not over-tax your joints. It builds up your condition
progressively and at your own pace – and you can make your training fit weather conditions.
