Research supports the benefits of exercise.

If we've heard it once, we've heard it a hundred times; exercise is essential to health. So why does Time magazine disregard exercise as "not an effective health tool."

Scientific studies on many subjects including diet, carbohydrates, fat, weight control, and even the dangers of artificial sweeteners, are often conflicting. The results of one study often contradicts the results of a previous study. But when it comes to studies on exercise, it's rare to find one that contraindicates exercise.

So why does Time magazine think it's productive to run a piece about how exercise is useless because it won't make you thin? Is this responsible journalism or hype? Your opinion will certainly vary depending on whether you like to exercise and understand its merits, or whether you hate to exercise and don't give a fig if it has value. We may never know why Time decided to run such an article. Maybe they new it would be popular, in our present cultural climate, to make exercise seem unimportant. But Time magazine's stance on exercise is based on scant evidence that's literally overwhelmed by reams of evidence supporting the benefits of exercise.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is passing around a statement that says:

“Last Friday, an article appeared in Time Magazine making statements that we believe run counter to fact and the public interest. The article claimed that exercise, contrary to the research with which we are all familiar, is not an effective health tool, particularly as it pertains to weight loss.

“Your assistance is needed in getting the right health message out to the public. Also we encourage you to adapt our letter to the editor and submit it to your local news outlets, helping readers and viewers get the best evidence-based facts and information.“

Muscle burns fat.

So, what are the facts and information on exercise that you need to know? Studies show exercise, both aerobic and anaerobic (resistance training,) is beneficial to healthy people, ther overweight and obese, the disabled, people with illnesses as diverse as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression, high blood pressure, hypoglycemia, and more. Moderate exercise also benefits healthy people, the elderly, and the health challenged in maintaining cardio vascular health and muscle mass. (Remember, your muscle mass is a large factor in how many calories you burn.) Evidence even exists that exercise, combined with a sensible diet, promotes weight loss and weight maintainence. So, exercise as a part of a healthy lifestyle can help you be trim.

While the government changes their recommendations on exercise depending on "what people are willing to do," studies suggest cardio vascular benefits begin at around 20 minutes of moderate aerobic activity. That includes brisk walking. It also only takes 10 minutes of targeted resistance training workouts a day to make a difference in your body and your health. If you don't believe it, check out Tony Horton's 10 Minute Trainer system, or his more advanced Power 90X. This Examiner has tested  both and can attest to their effectiveness.

Here's just a few reports on studies on exercise:

Cardiovascular Benefits Of Daily Exercise In School Children Are Evident Even After One Year

ScienceDaily (May 10, 2009) — School children as young as 11 can benefit from a daily exercise programme in reducing their levels of several known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Read more.

Older People Who Diet Without Exercising Lose Valuable Muscle Mass

ScienceDaily (Sep. 22, 2008) — A group of sedentary and overweight older people placed on a four-month exercise program not only became more fit, but burned off more fat, compared to older sedentary people who were placed on a diet but did not exercise. From a 2008 issue of the Journal of Applied Physiology, published by The American Physiological Society. Read more.

Moderate Exercise Yields Big Benefits

ScienceDaily (Jan. 4, 2008) — What’s the key to looking and feeling better and enhancing your health? Exercise.

Moderately strenuous exercise, about 30 minutes a day, can lead to enormous benefits in terms of your mood, health, weight and the ability to live an independent and fulfilling life. Studies have shown that simply walking at a brisk pace for 30 minutes or more on most days can lead to significant  health improvements. . Read more.

The January 2008 issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter, as well s other sources, lists some of the benefits of 30 minutes of exercise a day as follows:

Lower blood pressure,

Improve cholesterol Exercise often increases the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol in the blood.)

Reduce triglyceride levels.

Prevent or manage type 2 diabetes: Exercise helps insulin work better, lowering blood sugar.

Manage weight: Coupling exercise with a healthy diet is the best way to shed fat and maintain a healthier body composition.

Prevent osteoporosis: Exercise may increase bone density and protect against bone mass decline, especially if weight-bearing activities are involved.

Prevent cancer: Exercise has been shown to strengthen the immune system, improve circulation, reduce body fat and speed digestion. Each has a role in preventing cancer, particularly cancers of the colon, prostate, uterine lining and breast.

Maintain mental well-being: Exercise may help reduce stress, improve mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety, improve sleep and boost moods.

Increase energy and stamina: A lack of energy often results from inactivity, not age.

For more: The Incredible Benefits of Regular Exercise.

Virtually everyone can exercise in some way, shape, or form and benefit. Modified programs exist for the elderly, obese, disabled, and people with special health needs like heart disease and diabetes. (Always consult your doctor before changing your exercise or nutrition program).

No more excuses! Time to workout, if all you do is take a walk. And it's time to disregard sensational sources that tell you what you want to hear versu reality. Time magazine may not be your best source when it comes to exercise advice. Exercise may not make you thin if you out eat your efforts. But exercise has benefits beyond weight loss and weight control. And exercise gives you a weight loss edge if you pay attention to how much you put in your mouth versus how many calories you burn through activity and lifestyle.

Healthy Living: The Benefits of Exercise