WinterWalk

The Best Stressor

Stressors aren’t all the same; they can be positive and they can be negative. I’m going to begin with the single most powerful positive stressor: exercise. It’s not just one type, such as aerobic exercise or strength training. It’s all of them, and there are specific negative stressors that specific types of exercise can address. But no matter what body system or organ you examine, exercise has a beneficial effect.

Can too much exercise cause problems? Yes, but overdoing most positive things can yield negative results. With only 10% to 15% of the U.S. population exercising enough to do themselves any good, we have a long way to go before we have to worry about the majority of our fellow citizens.

I can’t remember who said it, but this quote sums it up quite well: If you’re not exercising regularly, you’re dying prematurely. There are hundreds of types of exercises to address many specific issues, but start with a walk. Right now. That most important muscle, your heart, will love you for it. Saturday, on to the most negative stressor.

What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet