In your opinion, how is exercise medicine?
Exercise, like laughter, is often described as the best medicine. And just like any medicine, there are important considerations we must take into account when prescribing what to do, how to do it, for how long, etc..
1) The value and effect of exercise is dose-dependent i.e, more is not always better; however, not enough or none will guarantee little to no positive outcomes.
2) The type of exercise prescribed must fit the specific criteria of your client and for the condition (s) we seek to improve i.e., running is a fantastic exercise, but not necessarily if your client’s goal is to “slow down” from a frantic day.
3) The variety of physical, physiological, hormonal responses that are triggered when a person exercises makes it critical to know about a person’s health history, including: medication, supplements, allergies, injuries, diet, etc..
4) This prescription is for life, so all reactions must be monitored regularly and carefully; modifications and alterations should be the norm.
5) The timing of exercise, ideally, fits with the person’s natural rhythms…if not, at least scheduled for a time where obstacles and/or disruptions are minimal.
Final thought: A person’s commitment to a regular exercise regime is, in fact, a promise to strive for a healthy and happy life. Not everybody is lucky enough to experience the endorphin-high during or after their workout; for others it’s just one more bitter pill to swallow. The best gift we can give our clients is the reminder of their personal power and potential, and that so much of that can be achieved through exercise.