Exercise

You got to move it, move it.”    

I think you are a bit like me… ready to get back to our gym workouts!  Because we are on “lockdown,” working from home, sheltering in place our workout routines have suffered.  The slow down in our exercise can have detrimental effects to our mental as well as physical health.  According to Harvard Health, “Many forms of exercise reduce stress directly, and by preventing bodily illness, exercise has extra benefits for the mind. Regular physical activity will lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol, and reduce your blood sugar. Exercise cuts the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, colon and breast cancers, osteoporosis and fractures, obesity, depression, and even dementia (memory loss). Exercise slows the aging process, increases energy, and prolongs life.” Click on this link for the full article: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax  

My favorite benefits of exercise are endorphin release and cortisol suppression.  Not to bore you with neuroscience, but endorphins are “feel good chemicals” and cortisol is a “stress hormone.”  Exercise increases ones endorphins (feel good) and decreases cortisol (stress) levels.   

Today I am going to challenge you with some of my favorite exercises - push ups, pull ups, air squats, lunges, planking, sit ups, and step ups. These exercises can be modified to your fitness level and done anywhere.  I have posted a video of me performing some of these exercises with my kids on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/drphealth - my kids keep me humble!  

Good Skills!  And please let me know how I can help you.

-Dr. John (dJP)