eBusiness Weekly
Chipo Sabeta
Simply put exercise refers to bodily physical activity. Better still, it refers to the physical exertion of the body resulting in an improvement in the levels of physical fitness and mental health.
But why exactly do people exercise?
People of all age groups exercise for many different reasons, these include strengthening muscles and fitness.
Other believe regular exercise improves your sex life while others still motivated by great-looking bodies.
Numerous other people exercise for weight-loss and even more exercise just for fun.
Some experts say exercises improves mood while other say it is as a form of escapism from stress, depression among other things.
It is a general health belief that people who work out regularly live longer than those who do not.
We all know that in the modern era exercise is a big deal.
But are these the only reasons why people exercise? Is it just to be able to lose weight?
Others exercise to socialise and for fun purposes.
Fashion model, Diana Machakaire, says exercising is actually enjoyable for a number of people. Besides meeting new friend, she exercises for fun.
“It’s not only for the cardiovascular benefits or fitness but also for the opportunities for socialisation. I am a model but have met good friends and sisters through exercising. I like the socialising part,” she said.
“Exercise, when done with a group, is enjoyable because it is sometimes more fun. The dynamic interaction in a group setting makes exercising rather fun and less of something that needs to be endured. It has to be a lifestyle”
Lately there have been weight loss challenge groups and running clubs. There are gyms, exercise clubs and programs that are open to specific groups such as ladies, youths, or seniors.
Chido Madzinga, a teacher by professional says she exercise for health reasons.
Madzinga says she started hitting the gym when she was diagnosed with a heart complication.
“I had no choice than to start exercising when the doctors advised me about my heart issues. I was struggling with many things because of my heart,” she said.
Most people know that exercise is beneficial for health. However, less people know about the dangers of being unfit.
In Western Europe, North America, and other parts of the world, the number of overweight and obese people is growing alarmingly fast.
Physically active people have a much lower risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and many types of cancer.
Obese people who are determined to lose weight find that once they get over the weight issues, they actually enjoy themselves.
Sheila Mukize, who lost over 45 kgs in four years prefers aerobics and that she exercise for weight loss and fitness.
“I was weighing over 130 kgs and my bp was so high. The doctors was frank with me and told me my days were numbered. I had many health complications due to my weight. I began the weightless journey and it been amazing. I have transformed over the past four years. I am training for fitness and it has become a lifestyle for me. The gym is my second home,” she said.
“I have been doing aerobics. Basically aerobic exercise aims to improve the body’s consumption of oxygen. Most aerobic exercises are done at average levels of intensity for longer periods.”
There is no doubt that exercise is beneficial.
Garikai Mujuru, a physical trainer and body builder said he exercise for fitness competitions as a bodybuilder.
The 31-year-old is basking in the glory of making it into the top three at Arnold Classic in South Africa a fortnight ago.
“To ensure that you are the strongest, there are routines one need to do. Bodybuilding is a great sport and I enjoy it. There is a diet I have to follow as well apart from exercising and lifting weights. People who exercise regularly are deemed to be in good physical health. As a body builder I make sure I am in good conditions before my competitions. I proved myself at an international competition recently with the required body cuts and sizes,’’ he said.
There are diseases associated with aging. It is for that reason we have seen aging people hitting the streets for a jog or gym for exercises.
Besides, for elderly people who are starting to feel the effects of gout, keeping the joints moving is a good way of keeping off the swelling around the joints.
Others exercise by walking a dog as a form of exercise that benefits both pet and owner.
Rehabilitation medicine also requires exercise to make a person’s recovery complete.
Victims who have undergone surgery after accidents need to exercise on affected body-parts.
This will help them recover quickly.
All in all, if not overdone, exercise can make one feel healthier and happier.
