When I first started in this business, or maybe more accurately, when I became one of the first starters of this business, exercise was usually a means to an end. Individuals engaged in exercise in order that they might excel at a sports activity or in order to rehab an injury. Others appreciated the cosmetic and health benefits of intense and focused exercise practices.
Well, many millions have adopted exercise as a habitual, structured activity. A myriad of systems and programs have been sold (and bought) as that special road to sure-fire success. Individuals pride themselves in the length of time they that put into their training, the weights they can “Handle” and their ability to get better at working out. In short, the means became the end.
Rather than measuring the efficacy of an exercise program by assessing the influence on some performance or health or physique status, people are simply keeping track of their exercise progress. I’m not making any particular judgment about this curious turn of events but I feel that some comment might be enlightening.
The definition of exercise currently runs the gamut from anything more active than moving an eyelid to an exclusively specific series of regimented moves in which every aspect of the performance is choreographed as per the meaningless dictates of it’s designer. In simple terms, at the extreme ends, everything is exercise or basically almost nothing is exercise. Obviously, the answer lies somewhere in between.
The definition that I apply to exercise is simply: “The intended manipulation of mechanical work applied in order to stimulate a specific metabolic response”. While it is certainly obvious that some of the same benefits that are derived from formal exercise may be achieved by engaging in a number of other physical activities, the structured application of exercise principles implies some formality. Some participants may be totally satisfied with the physical responses that they realize from recreational or sport activities. For these individuals, formal exercise might not be a personal requirement.
Many purists in the exercise field will argue that “Real” exercise has no substitute. To a degree, formal exercise is more specifically productive than other popular activities but it may not be more readily accepted by a large segment of the population. The fact remains that the delineation of exercise from physical activity is a necessary and responsible posture.
Formal exercise can logically be considered a prescription for a number of health related conditions. Some of the applications of this prescription may be considered preventive while others are appropriately therapeutic and in some cases the primary course of treatment. If that premise is accepted, some serious definition of exercise and concomitant quantification and qualification are necessary. In simple terms, if it is determined that structured exercise is warranted then what would be considered the appropriate dosage? The designation of dosage (As in the case of any prescription) requires the following information: Frequency (How often), Intensity (How strong) and Duration (For what period of time).
If one would logically follow the concept of exercise as a prescription the quantification of the aforementioned elements must be precise. The scientific basis and clinical rational for prescribing certain strengths of medications (50 milligrams, 100 milligrams, etc.), certain frequencies of application (One, two, three times per day, etc.) and a certain course of medication (Five days, ten days, etc.) have been established. The bases of exercise prescription may be less scrutinized than those applied to FDA approved drugs but significant scientific data exists regarding specific exercise applications.
Formal exercise requires the stimulation of skeletal muscle. Movement or tension produced by these muscles is the basis of all exercise. The pattern of muscle recruitment determines the metabolic response. If the exercise practitioner understands the desired metabolic response, he or she can then develop a logical exercise prescription. As in the case of any prescription, a prudent provider will seek the least obtrusive intervention.
Once the status of the exercise patient is ascertained, the appropriate course of treatment (Exercise in this case) can be determined. This expertise is apparently not widespread. Our schools are not producing expert exercise practitioners if the popular exercise practices are reflective of their input. Physicians are not routinely schooled in exercise science while they are apparently well versed in pharmacological and surgical intervention. The exercise patient or candidate would be well advised to do some “leg work” and self education before engaging in an exercise regimen.
The upside of exercise intervention is that poor application rarely causes life- threatening conditions. The downside is that most people waste a lot of time and effort without any significant and consistent benefit. In addition, the proper exercise prescription can be a very potent intervention related to substantial health and performance benefits. Those benefits are universally appreciated … young, old, men, women, fit and sedentary. The cost is relatively minimal.
What’s the point? Quite simply, if one is looking for formal exercise in order to reduce body fat, increase muscle function, improve cardiovascular fitness and risk profile, protect joints, increase bone density, improve balance, improve blood sugar profile and hormone balance among a host of additional health related benefits, be sure to seek the advice of someone who can interpret this information.
That person would most likely have some educational background (College level degree in a related discipline). Some clinical experience dealing with conditions similar to yours and some certification in that sub-specialty is also advisable. In addition, personal references are always important in finding a suitable practitioner in any profession.
Gain some knowledge about basic physiology and anatomy. Learn about the influence that exercise can have on the conditions that concern you. Be realistic about the chosen course of action and the allotment of time and effort necessary to achieve your goals. Ask questions and talk to people involved in the program you might select. Remember, the medicine can’t work if you leave it in the medicine cabinet. Organize your plan and stick to it. If after a few weeks you can’t sense any change, consider a change in the prescription. Tell your exercise doctor it’s not working and see how the prescription is altered. That’s when you’ll know if you’ve chosen the right one.
