Gyms are popping up across the country, as the fitness industry grows each year. People are sweating doing intense cardio workouts on treadmills, bikes, and stair climbers. Most are trying to get in shape and lose weight.

Cardiovascular exercise is exactly what its name implies, a good way to strengthen the cardiovascular system, and reduce cholesterol. Doctors are aware of this and the implied association with lowered cardiovascular risk. It’s a great way to strengthen the heart, but this is only one of the many factors as to why exercise helps people stay healthier and live longer.

Note: Resistance training is another beneficial method of exercising and has anti-aging benefits e.g. increased lean body mass. When performed properly it is beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Resistance training causes muscle hypertrophy, which creates an anabolic response in the body. This anabolic response is the production of more testosterone, which is needed to help repair the muscle tissue affected by the workout. Healed muscles become larger and stronger which means they can perform more work. Most doctors are unaware of this anabolic effect.

Doctors seem to be totally unaware of the heightened metabolic benefits of exercise. That’s why anabolic steroid tests were flawed, and why athletes can tolerate very high doses of steroids for many years without getting sick if they are careful and monitor blood panels!

During periods of exercise it is essential to consume water in large amounts in order to avoid dehydration. As we endure vigorous exercise we perspire profusely. Drinking water during this time helps accelerate the sweating process in an attempt to cool down our body. Perspiration serves a dual purpose, in addition to cooling we are ridding our bodies of impurities.

Exercise produces endorphins in the body. Endorphins are chemicals, which are released into the blood stream and make us feel good after exercise. After an intense workout most people feel relaxed and invigorated. Therefore, exercise is a great way to release tension and stress, which are known factors in cardiovascular risk, and other major illnesses.

Perhaps the most beneficial factor in exercise is the metabolic rate referred to earlier. When the heart beats faster, more blood is flowing into all our vital organs faster, and this forces them to work harder. Hard work strengthens organs as it does muscle tissue and they are processing and cleaning larger amounts of blood and bodily fluids. This means that impurities are processed (burned or carried away) faster.

This rapid cleansing effect dramatically impacts overall health. Not only is the quality of life improved, but many illnesses are avoided. A real life example of this purifying effect can be seen by its impact on a hangover. Most people get hung over after a night of heavy alcohol consumption. Toxins left in the bloodstream produce headaches, and a cloudy headed feeling. Do some cardio and watch your hangover leave!

A thirty year old man or woman in good health may experience the after effects of liquor for twelve hours or more. Performing a brisk workout dramatically shortens or rids one of the hung over feeling. If exercise cures hangovers by ridding the body of toxins almost immediately, why wouldn’t that same process prevent diseases caused by toxic buildup over long periods of time? It does! Common sense must prevail and people must recognize that exercise does much to keep us healthy. Doctors should open their eyes and become cognizant of how important exercise is to total health and disease prevention as well as reducing cardiovascular risks.

Double blind studies aren’t necessary, just find older people who are in great shape and have been very healthy throughout their lives. Talk to them and arrive at the proper conclusion.