Fitness Facts and FAQs

How does exercise combat stress?

In a high anxiety situation, the heart beats faster and the body secretes adrenalin. When you are on a steady exercise programme, involving cardiovascular workouts, the heart muscle is kept fit. It beats slowly and more efficiently through the day. The pulse rate, even in high anxiety situations does not go up much. The heart is not affected excessively by adrenalin secretions. You are able to stay calm.

Is it advisable to exercise when you are tired?

Not when you are exhausted or fatigued. But at the end of a normal workday exercise can bring up energy levels, combat depression and make you feel fresh.

Can exercise subdue pain?

The body produces its own painkillers. These are called endorphins. We do not know much about these hormonal painkillers, as research is still going on. There does seem to be some link between exercise and release of endorphins. This perhaps contributes to the high that people feel after vigorous exercise.

Exercise increases pain threshold, or your capacity to bear pain. Physiotherapy, which is basically exercising any part of the body to rehabilitate it to perform normal functions, also alleviates pain.

What are Isometric Exercises?

Muscles are made to work against resistance. This burns energy but does not produce movement. This helps to build muscle strength, but may also increase blood pressure.

What are Isotonic Exercises?

Weightlifting and sit ups are examples of isotonic exercises. Here muscles in a particular part of the body contract under a constant resistance.

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