| Dr. Jai Maharaj 2005-12-31, 1:05 am |
| THE MIND-BODY BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL FITNESS
Forwarded message from http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SoFlaVegans
[ Subject: The Mind-Body Benefits of Physical Fitness
[ From: "Fidyl" <fidyl@yahoo.com>
[ Date: Fri, 30 Dec 2005
The Mind-Body Benefits of Physical Fitness
Exercise can help combat stress and potential illness
(ARA) - Stress from traffic, cell phones and balancing work/life is
so pervasive today that it has become a driving force behind rising
healthcare costs.
In a six-year study of more than 46,000 workers, depression and
unmanaged stress emerged as the costliest risk factors in terms of
medical expenditures. And, according to the American Institute of
Stress, 75 to 90 percent of all doctor visits are stress-related.
When someone is under stress, adrenaline pours into the blood stream
as part of our "fight or flight" response and muscles throughout the
body tense in anticipation of a challenge. Immediate effects can
range from a short temper to difficulty sleeping; long-term effects
can be even more dangerous.
While impossible to eliminate stress from modern life, one can
control the effect it has on the mind and body. People with increased
levels of anxiety and nervous tension need to develop effective ways
of coping with stress.
"Regular physical activity can help counter the potentially damaging
effects of stress on the body and may help prevent stress-related
illnesses," says John McCarthy, executive director of the
International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA).
"These activities provide a natural way to release tension in the
body and will often lead to an automatic state of relaxation that
naturally follows a good workout."
The link between mind and body was accepted in ancient India, the
birthplace of yog, thousands of years ago. It has taken a while for
Western fitness experts to embrace the idea, however, the concept of
holistic health and fitness is rapidly gaining popularity and
acceptance.
In a survey of health clubs belonging to IHRSA, twenty-three percent
offer classes specifically geared to wellness and stress reduction.
In health clubs across the country, the trend is moving away from
classes focusing simply on muscle and cardiovascular training to ones
that include overall wellness and whole-body maintenance. Over the
past few years, more and more people have discovered the benefits of
workouts that stimulate the emotions as well as the muscles.
Classes such as yog, Pilates and martial arts fill up as quickly as
health clubs put them on the schedule. According to IHRSA,
participation in yog classes at U.S. health clubs increased by 200
percent between 1998 and 2000.
This mind-body approach appeals to individuals at all different
fitness levels. Consumer research shows that an impressive number of
American health club members cite holistic motivations for working
out.
Better-than-half (54%) said that when they exercised regularly, they
feel like they have their overall act together, while 38 percent said
that when they do not exercise regularly, they just don't feel
right.
Top 5 Non-Physique Related Reasons for Exercise
(Base: Americans who participate in physical activities at least
occasionally; % say primary reason for exercise)
1. For fun/enjoyment (49%)
2. To prevent health problems (36%)
3. To reduce stress/tension (31%)
4. To relax (30%)
5. To help with current medical problems (27%)
"As more and more health clubs offer programs that benefit the mind
as well as the body, it has become much easier to find a place to
practice tai chi, yog, Pilates and more," notes McCarthy. "I think
people who have not visited a health or fitness club lately will be
surprised by the variety of classes available at their local gym."
In many cases, clubs now offer classes to non-members for a small
fee.
Courtesy of ARA Content
End of forwarded message from http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SoFlaVegans
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The terrorist mission of Jesus stated in the Christian bible:
"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not so send
peace, but a sword.
"For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the
daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in
law.
"And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
- Matthew 10:34-36.
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